• Michael Carrick wants five new players at Manchester United this summer
• The Red Devils have paused contract talks with captain Bruno Fernandes
• Arsenal are confident of signing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa
• Marcus Rashford could move to Barcelona before next season
• Bernardo Silva will leave Manchester City after the World Cup

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is planning a major rebuild of his squad. He wants to sign five new players during the summer transfer window.

The club hopes to complete a deal for Ederson first. Carrick also needs three centre midfielders, one left-back and a striker to strengthen his defence and attack.

United have stopped negotiations over a new contract with club captain Bruno Fernandes. Despite this pause, officials at Old Trafford remain calm about his long-term future at the club.

Meanwhile, Arsenal believe they are leading the race to sign Morgan Rogers. The Aston Villa forward is a top target for the North London club if Villa decide to sell.

Nottingham Forest have rejected an opening bid from Manchester City for Elliot Anderson. The midfielder is likely to stay with Forest for now.

Fulham are searching for a new manager to replace Marco Silva. Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has shown interest in the job. Former Brentford manager Thomas Frank is also a candidate.

At Old Trafford, goalkeeper Tom Heaton has agreed a new one-year contract. He will remain with the club until 2026.

Hull City want to sign Yacine Titraoui from Charleroi. The Algerian midfielder currently plays in Belgium.

Liverpool have secured the future of young defender Josh Abe. The England youth international turned down offers from several Premier League rivals.

Marcus Rashford could leave United for Barcelona this summer. The club are willing to accept an offer that suits the Spanish side.

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has confirmed he will leave the club. He will make a final decision about his next team after the World Cup.

Arsenal are also close to signing Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt. The defender prefers a move to North London over Bayern Munich.

• Manchester United have finalised terms with Atalanta to secure midfielder Ederson
• The transfer fee starts at £34m with an extra £3.8m available in performance bonuses
• The Brazilian will sign a four-year contract with an option to extend for one additional year
• This marks the first arrival under new manager Michael Carrick
• The move depends on the player passing his medical examinations

Manchester United have struck an agreement with Italian club Atalanta to bring Brazilian midfielder Ederson to Old Trafford. The Premier League side will pay an initial sum of £34m. Further payments of up to £3.8m could be added depending on specific conditions.

The 26-year-old is preparing to sign a four-year deal with the club. The contract contains an option to extend his stay for another 12 months. This transfer will represent the first new arrival since Michael Carrick took charge of the team. The deal remains subject to the player completing his medical tests successfully.

United have maintained a long-term interest in the player. The club views this signing as a crucial step in rebuilding their midfield. Several current midfielders are expected to leave the club this summer. Casemiro has already agreed to depart, and Manuel Ugarte also appears set to exit.

Ederson offers energy and flexibility in the centre of the pitch. While young talent Kobbie Mainoo has shown quality, Carrick requires additional options. The Brazilian’s arrival should provide the dynamism that has been missing from United’s engine room.

The transfer is expected to conclude before July begins. This timing would allow the player to join his new teammates for pre-season training.

• Brazilian midfielder joins from Serie A side Atalanta
• Transfer fee set at £34m with additional £3.8m in bonuses
• Four-year contract includes option for 12-month extension
• Becomes first arrival under new manager Michael Carrick
• Medical examination scheduled before July

Manchester United have reached an agreement to bring Ederson to Old Trafford from Atalanta. The Premier League club will pay an initial sum of £34 million for the Brazilian international. Extra payments worth £3.8 million could follow based on performance targets.

The 26-year-old is ready to put pen to paper on a four-year agreement. This deal contains a clause allowing for an extra year if both parties agree.

Subject to passing his medical tests, the transfer should conclude before the start of July. This would make him the first new face to arrive since Michael Carrick took charge of the team.

The Red Devils have watched the midfielder for many months. They believe his energy and flexibility will strengthen their centre. United plan to rebuild their engine room this summer. Casemiro is set to leave, while Manuel Ugarte also faces an exit. The club hopes to bring in another midfield option alongside Ederson.

The Brazilian offers the dynamic presence that Carrick wants in his squad. Young star Kobbie Mainoo shows great skill, but the manager needs more choices in that area.

• Manchester United have agreed a £35 million fee with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson.
• The 26-year-old will sign a four-year contract with an option to extend for an additional 12 months.
• The transfer is subject to a medical and is expected to be completed in early July.
• Ederson becomes the first signing under permanent head coach Michael Carrick.
• The deal could rise to £38.9 million with add-ons as United look to rebuild their midfield.

Manchester United have struck a deal worth £35 million with Atalanta to bring Brazilian midfielder Ederson to Old Trafford. The agreement also includes extra payments of £3.9 million.

The 26-year-old will sign a contract that runs for four years. The club can extend this deal by another year if they choose.

Ederson still needs to pass a medical examination. Sources close to the deal expect the transfer to finish in early July. This is before the squad returns for pre-season training.

This will be the club’s first new player since Michael Carrick became the permanent head coach last month. Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim on a temporary basis in January.

The club wants to add up to three new central midfielders this summer. This is because Casemiro is leaving the club when his contract ends this month. The 34-year-old Brazilian is moving on after his deal expires.

Ederson has played three times for Brazil’s national team. He was in the initial 55-man squad for the World Cup but did not make the final team chosen by Carlo Ancelotti.

During his time at Atalanta, he scored 16 goals in 180 matches. He can play in several different positions in the centre of midfield.

United are also looking at other players. They want Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, though the London club want a large profit on the Portuguese player. They also like Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but the English midfielder prefers to join Manchester City.

The club needs a player for the left side of the pitch. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall is one option they are considering. They also want to sign a striker to support Benjamin Sesko.

There are questions about the goalkeepers. Andre Onana can leave the club if he finds a new team. Radek Vitek, who played well on loan at Bristol City, wants regular games and may not return to be a backup.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is leading changes in how the club finds players. Michael Sansoni, who used to work for Mercedes Formula One, is helping with data analysis. He works with director of football Jason Wilcox. Carrick has been part of recruitment meetings since January.

• Michael Carrick agrees terms to become Manchester United’s full-time head coach
• The 44-year-old will sign an initial two-year contract with an option for a further 12 months
• Official announcement expected within 48 hours, though Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest may come too soon
• Carrick has secured Champions League qualification for United after taking over from sacked Ruben Amorim in January

Manchester United have struck a deal with Michael Carrick to take charge as the club’s permanent manager. The agreement comes after a dramatic turnaround at Old Trafford since the former midfielder stepped into the role on an interim basis four months ago.

Legal teams are currently finalising the paperwork. The Red Devils hope to announce the appointment formally within the next two days. However, there is a chance the official confirmation could miss Sunday’s home fixture against Nottingham Forest, which marks the final match of the season at Old Trafford.

Carrick, aged 44, will put pen to paper on a two-year deal that includes an option for an extra year. His appointment follows a recommendation from chief executive officer Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox to the club’s owners, Ineos, which has received the green light from the hierarchy.

The former England international inherited a difficult situation in January when Ruben Amorim lost his job. At that point, a top-four finish seemed impossible. Yet Carrick has masterminded a remarkable recovery, lifting United to third place in the Premier League table. Avoiding defeat against Forest on Sunday will guarantee their spot in next season’s Champions League.

The dressing room has thrown its full support behind Carrick. Key figures including Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Casemiro have publicly backed him for the permanent role. This unity has translated to impressive results on the pitch, with victories against Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea highlighting his tenure.

Initially, United’s search for a new boss remained open. Several high-profile names were considered, including Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and Luis Enrique. However, Tuchel extended his contract with the Football Association, Ancelotti committed to Brazil, and Enrique agreed fresh terms with Paris Saint-Germain. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner also became unavailable due to a dispute with his club’s ownership.

Carrick’s only major setback came with a home defeat to Leeds United in April, where his team selection drew criticism. Nevertheless, his ability to rally the squad for crucial wins against direct rivals for European places proved decisive. The board eventually concluded that removing Carrick posed a greater risk than keeping him.

Time will tell whether this proves the correct long-term decision. For now, United supporters will welcome the stability of a manager who has already delivered Champions League football against the odds.

• Club executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox will recommend Carrick to Sir Jim Ratcliffe this week
• The 44-year-old has guided United from seventh to third place in the Premier League table
• Carrick has won 10 matches and lost only twice since replacing Ruben Amorim in January
• United have earned 33 points under Carrick – the highest total in the league during that period
• Alternative targets Thomas Tuchel and Luis Enrique have decided to stay at their current clubs

Senior officials at Manchester United plan to appoint Michael Carrick as the club’s permanent manager. Chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox believe the former midfielder is the right person to lead the team.

The duo will present their recommendation to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s minority shareholder, during the coming days. If Ratcliffe agrees, the club will open formal talks with Carrick immediately.

Carrick has served as caretaker boss since Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January 2026. The 44-year-old has transformed United’s season, securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Under his leadership, the team has climbed from seventh position to third in the Premier League. The squad has collected 33 points from 15 matches since Carrick took charge on 13 January. No other club in England’s top division has achieved more points during this time.

The interim manager has won 10 games and suffered just two defeats. His tenure began with four consecutive victories against strong opponents including Manchester City and Arsenal. After a seven-match unbeaten run ended in March, Carrick guided his side to important wins against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The club originally intended to delay their decision until the summer. However, Carrick’s excellent results and his positive influence behind the scenes have convinced the board to act now.

Several United players have publicly called for Carrick to receive the job permanently. They have praised his commitment to youth development and his long-term vision for the squad. The former England international has also participated in discussions about new signings.

The club had considered other candidates, including England manager Thomas Tuchel and Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique. Both have chosen to remain in their current positions.

This marks Carrick’s second spell as temporary manager at Old Trafford. He previously took charge of three matches in 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure.

United will conclude their 2025-26 campaign with a home fixture against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 17 May. They will then travel to Brighton for their final match on 24 May.

• Michael Carrick has collected the most Premier League points since taking temporary charge of Manchester United in January
• Advanced metrics reveal United are significantly overperforming their expected goals statistics
• Three United forwards rank among the division’s most clinical finishers during this period
• Historical data from Aston Villa and Sunderland shows similar early-season overperformance often corrects itself
• The club’s owners must decide whether to appoint Carrick permanently or seek an alternative candidate

Michael Carrick appears to have performed a miracle at Old Trafford. Since the former midfielder became temporary boss in January, Manchester United have climbed to the top of the form table. They have collected more points than any other Premier League club. On the surface, giving Carrick the permanent job seems like an easy decision.

However, a closer look at the numbers tells a different story. While results have been excellent, the statistics suggest this success cannot last forever.

United’s attack has been very efficient under Carrick. Only Arsenal have a better goal difference, and no team has scored more goals during this time. But this success hides a problem with chance creation. Eight other teams are actually making better scoring opportunities according to expected goals data.

United are currently converting shots at a rate that is too high to maintain. They have scored seven goals more than an average team would score from the same chances. This is the biggest difference in the league. Only Nottingham Forest, who are also playing well under Vitor Pereira, have a larger gap between their expected and actual goals.

Three United players are among the league’s six most clinical finishers since January. Matheus Cunha is second only to Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White in conversion rate. Benjamin Sesko and Casemiro have also been scoring at an unusually high rate. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens has also played better than expected, saving nearly three more goals than statistics suggest he should have.

Such accurate finishing rarely continues for a full season. When these numbers return to normal, United may struggle to win matches.

Comparing Carrick’s time with Ruben Amorim’s earlier period shows tactical changes. The Portuguese coach preferred more possession and shots, while Carrick’s team takes two fewer shots per game and allows slightly more chances. Amorim actually left with the team in sixth place, level with Chelsea and only three points behind Liverpool.

The danger is confusing short-term luck with long-term improvement. History shows that teams who control expected goals eventually achieve lasting success. Teams who rely on excellent finishing usually fall back down the table. Earlier this season, Aston Villa and Sunderland performed better than their statistics suggested through spectacular long-range shooting and great goalkeeping. Both teams have since dropped down the table as these performances returned to normal.

This does not mean Carrick should not get the job. New players this summer could help him improve the team’s tactics. However, if performances stay at current levels next season, the good results will likely disappear. The club might need to find another manager before the season ends.

The owners must therefore look beyond the points total. They need to decide if Carrick has the vision to build a dominant team, or if his time in charge is just a temporary improvement that hides deeper problems.

• Matheus Cunha praises interim manager Michael Carrick’s connection to Manchester United’s trophy-winning history
• Manchester United defeat Liverpool 3-2 to confirm Champions League qualification with three matches remaining
• Carrick has secured ten victories in fourteen matches since taking temporary charge in January
• The club targets a top-three Premier League finish for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013
• Cunha casts doubt on Casemiro’s departure despite the midfielder’s announced exit

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha believes interim boss Michael Carrick has rediscovered the winning formula that defined the club’s greatest era. The Brazilian striker claims Carrick carries the same “magic” that characterised Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominant reign at Old Trafford.

Cunha scored the opening goal during United’s thrilling 3-2 victory against Liverpool on Saturday. This crucial result guarantees the Red Devils a place in next season’s Champions League with three league fixtures still to play.

The achievement marks a remarkable turnaround under Carrick, who assumed control in January following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. The 44-year-old has guided the team to ten wins in fourteen matches. This impressive record establishes him as the favourite for the permanent managerial role.

Carrick played for United during their final golden period under Ferguson, collecting five Premier League winner’s medals and one Champions League trophy. Cunha feels this history gives Carrick unique authority inside the dressing room.

“I have sat beside him on the bench,” Cunha explained. “His teaching methods are incredible. He possesses that special magic from the Ferguson years. He brings those lessons to us today. He shows us what it meant to be part of that winning culture. Then he produces results like this.”

Despite securing European football, Carrick has warned his squad against complacency. The team requires four additional points to guarantee a third-place finish. This would represent their highest league position since Ferguson retired in 2013. They could also finish within twelve points of the champions.

Cunha emphasised that qualifying for Europe represents only the beginning of United’s recovery. “Playing for this club is a huge honour,” he stated. “The Champions League needs Manchester United, and United needs the Champions League. But we must challenge for trophies too. This qualification is just the first step. We can return much stronger next year.”

The summer transfer window will bring changes to Old Trafford. Midfielder Casemiro has announced his intention to leave, and Carrick confirmed this publicly on Friday. However, Cunha suggested the situation remains unresolved.

“Talking about Casemiro is easy because he is so important,” said Cunha. “He is a wonderful person. Away from football, he has a huge heart. He is kind and helpful. He teaches me so much. We do not know the final details of his contract. Everyone hopes he stays a bit longer. I know it looks difficult, but football surprises you.”

Cunha has justified his £62.5 million transfer fee from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer. His goal against Liverpool was his ninth of the campaign. He has also scored decisive winners against Arsenal and Chelsea earlier this season.

The Brazilian celebrated his latest strike with his trademark surfing routine, which he has now upgraded. “My friends back home kept telling me to add the paddling motion before standing up,” he laughed. “Surfing is my life. Bringing that joy to the pitch shows how happy I am here.”

• Kobbie Mainoo scored the decisive goal to give Manchester United a 3-2 victory against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
• The win secures Manchester United’s place in next season’s Champions League after missing out for two years.
• Interim manager Michael Carrick has now beaten all of England’s top clubs, strengthening his case for the permanent role.

Manchester United secured their return to Europe’s elite competition after a dramatic 3-2 win over rivals Liverpool on Sunday. Kobbie Mainoo fired the winning goal in the final stages, capping a memorable week that saw the academy graduate sign a new five-year contract with the club.

The Red Devils dominated the opening 45 minutes and went into the break with a two-goal advantage. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring early on, before Benjamin Sesko added a second to put the hosts in control.

The match changed completely immediately after half-time. Substitute Amad Diallo lost possession cheaply inside his own half, allowing Dominik Szoboszlai to run 50 yards unchallenged and reduce the deficit. Minutes later, goalkeeper Senne Lammens made an error with his passing, and Cody Gakpo capitalised to level the scores at 2-2.

With the game heading for a draw, Manchester United snatched victory late on. Alexis Mac Allister failed to clear a cross from Luke Shaw, and the ball dropped to Mainoo on the edge of the area. The young midfielder struck it first time into the bottom corner to spark wild celebrations.

The goal carried extra significance for Mainoo, who did not start a single Premier League match under former boss Ruben Amorim this season. United rejected loan interest from Napoli for the teenager during the summer transfer window.

The victory also marked Manchester United’s first league double over Liverpool since the 2015-16 campaign, giving supporters bragging rights over their fierce rivals.

Off the pitch, club legend Sir Alex Ferguson left the stadium in an ambulance as a precaution after feeling unwell. The 84-year-old was not present to see the thrilling conclusion.

Michael Carrick continues to impress in his temporary role, having now guided United to victories over Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea. This clean sweep against England’s elite boosts his chances of landing the manager’s job on a full-time basis.

For Liverpool, the defeat means they still require four points to guarantee their own Champions League qualification. Manager Arne Slot was without several key players through injury, including striker Alexander Isak, and watched his side struggle during the first half before showing character after the restart.

Manchester United will travel to face Sunderland on Saturday, 9 May. Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on the same day.

• Manchester United have identified Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique as a candidate for the permanent hotseat at Old Trafford.
• Michael Carrick has guided the Red Devils to third place in the Premier League after winning nine of his thirteen matches in temporary charge.
• Sources indicate Luis Enrique is satisfied with life in France and unlikely to seek a move to English football.

The hierarchy at Old Trafford are weighing their options for the permanent managerial position. Despite Michael Carrick’s strong performance as interim boss, the club continues to monitor elite coaches across Europe.

Luis Enrique has emerged as a serious contender for the role. The former Spain national team coach currently leads Paris Saint-Germain and boasts an impressive CV at the highest level.

Carrick took temporary control of the first team earlier this season. Under his guidance, the Manchester United squad has climbed to third position in the Premier League table. The former England midfielder has secured victories in nine of the thirteen fixtures he has overseen.

However, the Mancunian outfit appear reluctant to rush their decision. The board favour a thorough search to ensure they appoint the right long-term successor.

Enrique represents one of the few managers with the pedigree to rival Carrick’s claims. Nevertheless, the Spaniard appears content in the French capital. Reports suggest he enjoys working at the Parc des Princes and has little desire to relocate to Manchester at this stage.