Michael Carrick
March 2026
United lost 2-1 at Newcastle despite playing the whole second half against 10 men, with Osula scoring a last-minute winner after Casemiro’s equaliser cancelled Gordon’s penalty. Ramsey was sent off late in the first half, Newcastle still led through Gordon’s spot-kick after a Fernandes foul, Casemiro levelled from a set-piece, and United missed chances before Osula curled home late.
Michael Carrick
March 2026
Carrick signalled United may prioritise recruiting a natural left winger as the squad returns to a 4-2-3-1 and lacks true wide options after recent sales and loans. He pointed to squad balance and flexibility, noting they have improvised with Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha wide, but admitted the position is “definitely something to look at” and “quite possibly” addressed in the market.
Bruno Fernandes
March 2026
Fernandes scored and assisted as United came back to beat Palace, while Lineker called him his current pick for Premier League Player of the Season. Palace led early, then Fernandes drove the turnaround and continued a league-best output run, with the piece citing seven goals and 13 assists and noting Lineker also mentioned Declan Rice as a contender if Arsenal win the title, and Haaland if City surge late.
Gary Neville
March 2026
Neville said United’s sudden shift under Carrick is hard to process and now expects a top-three finish after a strong run of results. United’s comeback win over Palace marked six wins in seven under Carrick, with 19 points from 21 and notable wins over Arsenal and Manchester City, changing the mood around Old Trafford from crisis to Champions League push.
Michael Carrick
March 2026
Reports claim United’s senior players prefer Carrick to stay on permanently after a strong interim run, while the club has also discussed Roberto Martinez as a possible long-term appointment. Carrick’s tactical adjustments and man-management are cited as winning over key figures after issues under Ruben Amorim; separately, Martinez’s Premier League experience and expected Portugal exit have reportedly put him on United’s internal shortlist as the club plans for 2026-27.
Matthijs de Ligt
February 2026
Carrick confirmed De Ligt’s back problem has been slow to progress, leaving him still out and without a clear comeback timeline. Carrick said the nature of the back issue makes timing hard to pin down, but insisted De Ligt is moving in the right direction and “definitely improving.”
Kobbie Mainoo
February 2026
Manchester United have reportedly not opened new contract talks with Mainoo despite his return to the XI under Carrick and lingering uncertainty over his long-term commitment. After being sidelined under Amorim and reportedly considering a loan exit, Mainoo has re-entered the lineup; Carrick is deliberately limiting criticism to rebuild confidence while United retain leverage via an extension option.
Lisandro Martínez
February 2026
Michael Carrick said Lisandro Martinez picked up a minor issue in training and was left out at Everton; United still won 1-0 and stayed in strong form. Carrick said it “doesn’t seem too bad,” with sources suggesting a calf problem that could sideline Martinez up to two weeks. Yoro started alongside Maguire and United kept a rare away league clean sheet, with Sesko scoring late to secure the points.
Benjamin Šeško
February 2026
Benjamin Sesko scored the winner at Everton and said he is fine not starting under Carrick, focusing on impact minutes rather than status. Sesko said his job is to help whenever he comes on, whether for five minutes or 90, and credited self-belief and teammate trust. The goal pushed United three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool in the top-four race.
Kobbie Mainoo
February 2026
Michael Carrick says reintegrating Kobbie Mainoo was not a major decision, explaining he prioritised the midfielder’s confidence and freedom after a spell on the fringes under Ruben Amorim. Mainoo has started every match since Carrick took over, contributing two assists during a five-game unbeaten league run. Carrick said he focused on the player’s psychological reset rather than tactical nitpicking, with United now keen to secure a new contract.
