Matheus Cunha
January 2026
Cunha may be at risk of retrospective discipline after appearing to shout explicit language directly into a TV camera following his winning goal. Reports say the language was clearly heard on broadcast and commentators issued an apology for bad language. FA rules allow action for abusive or insulting language or gestures, including retroactive punishment when incidents are caught on camera.
Harry Maguire
January 2026
Maguire praised Carrick for bringing fresh energy after United followed up a 2-0 derby win over Manchester City with a 3-2 victory over Arsenal, giving Carrick six points from six. United’s goals came from Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, and a late winner by Cunha. Arsenal suffered their first home league defeat of the season and their lead at the top was cut to four points. Carrick said the group is still building and needs to add layers in coming weeks.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
January 2026
Carrick said Solskjaer contacted him to congratulate him after United chose Carrick over Solskjaer following Amorim’s dismissal. United were reported to have considered bringing Solskjaer back, but opted for Carrick, who then started with a 2-0 win over Manchester City and reiterated his focus on raising standards and uniting players and fans.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Reports claim United academy players and parents are pleased Carrick replaced Amorim, after Amorim criticised “entitlement” among youth players and faced public pushback linked to Mainoo’s lack of first-team minutes. Amorim’s comments followed social media complaints by Amass and Obi and a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt worn by Mainoo’s half-brother. Carrick’s approach is described as welcoming, and his early impact was highlighted by a 2-0 derby win over City and praise from Lisandro Martinez for harnessing the crowd’s energy.
Elliot Anderson
January 2026
United reportedly think Anderson leans toward a move to City, with both clubs and Chelsea tracking the Forest midfielder, while Forest expect him to stay through January. United are planning a midfield rebuild with a shortlist including Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba. City are also expected to recruit centrally given Rodri’s ongoing fitness concerns after a serious knee injury and limited league starts.
Jason McAteer
January 2026
McAteer said his long-running feud with Keane, which started around the 2002 World Cup fallout and escalated through public jabs and a heated 2002 on-pitch incident, was finally resolved. McAteer described years of back-and-forth commentary and the Sunderland vs United flashpoint that ended with Keane sent off, then said they eventually cleared it up in a cafe, with Carragher involved in bringing them together.
Kai Rooney
January 2026
Kai Rooney, 16, debuted at Old Trafford for United’s Under-18s in an FA Youth Cup win over Derby, coming on to loud “Rooney” chants and producing an eye-catching cameo. The match went to extra time at 0-0, United went ahead via an own goal, added a second through Chido Obi, and held on after Derby pulled one back. Wayne Rooney posted a “then and now” message marking the moment.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Carrick praised Mainoo’s quality, mindset, and ability to handle big games, indicating the 20-year-old will get more chances after being marginalised under Ruben Amorim. Carrick cited a long working relationship dating back to Mainoo’s early teens, stressed the importance of academy pathways, and pointed to Mainoo’s performance and enjoyment in the derby as evidence of what he can offer.
Manchester United
January 2026
United’s stadium plan is framed as a new-build 100,000-seat ground on the Old Trafford site, positioned as a “Wembley of the North,” with costs cited up to £2bn, while financial headwinds remain a concern. Ratcliffe argued refurbishment would be close to new-build cost and still leave a compromised stadium, citing structural issues, outdated infrastructure, access constraints by the railway, and operational limitations, so a purpose-built design is the “wiser” long-term spend.
Casemiro
January 2026
Manchester United and Casemiro confirmed he will leave in the summer when his contract expires, ending a four-season spell at Old Trafford. United’s statement highlighted 146 games, 21 goals, plus Carabao Cup 2023 and FA Cup 2024 success, with a final home tribute planned versus Nottingham Forest. Reporting notes a one-year extension clause tied to a starts threshold that became unrealistic after cup eliminations.
