Michael Carrick tells Man Utd to block offers for key player amid Real Madrid interest

Michael Carrick has told Manchester United not to accept bids for one of his key players this summer amid interest from Real Madrid, it has been reported.

United have qualified for next season's Champions League under the interim management of Carrick, with a third-placed finish now guaranteed ahead of the final Premier League game of the season.

Sky Sports reported on Sunday that Carrick had agreed a two-year contract to take over as head coach on a permanent basis.

United are yet to make an official announcement, and it remains to be seen as to whether they will wait until Sunday's clash at Brighton and Hove Albion to formally unveil Carrick.

But their strong domestic performance under the 44-year-old has meant they have been able to forward plan ahead of what will be a busy transfer window.

They have been linked with moves for Elche's David Affengruber and West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, though key midfield target Elliot Anderson appears more likely to join Manchester City from Nottingham Forest.

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But United are also focusing on outgoings - with Carrick said to be keen to ensure to one player doesn't end up on the summer chopping block.

Carrick shuts down £50m Man Utd transfer decision

According to TEAMtalk, the United interim boss is desperate to ensure that right-back Diogo Dalot remains at the club amid interest from Real Madrid.

Dalot has often been criticised by United supporters over his defensive deficiencies across eight years at Old Trafford, but he has been an important player under Carrick.

Having played at wing-back under Ruben Amorim, the 27-year-old was pushed back to right-back as Carrick immediately adopted a four-defender formation upon taking charge.

Dalot has been one of the beneficiaries of Carrick's arrival, starting all but three of United's Premier League matches under the former midfielder.

It is reported that Jose Mourinho - who signed Dalot for United - is keen to bring him to Real Madrid, where he is expected to return for a second spell at the end of the Spanish season.

Diogo Dalot has been an important player for Man Utd under Michael Carrick (Image: Getty)

Right-back Dani Carvajal is set to leave Real as a free agent in the summer, having reportedly developed a frosty relationship with current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

Dalot's versatility could also help Los Blancos, with left-back Ferland Mendy expected to at least miss the start of next season after suffering a serious muscle tendon injury in his right leg and doubt over the future of Fran Garcia.

But Carrick is said to have told United that he does not want them to sell the Portugal international defender.

Dalot has two years left on his contract at Old Trafford and the club are said to be 'increasingly open' to holding talks over an extension.

Carrick's decision-making is said to 'carry significant weight internally' as he prepares to take charge of his first full transfer window as United head coach.