Manchester United

Alex Turk
Fan writer

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'It's Carrick, you know...' and now it is official! Michael Carrick is the new Manchester United head coach - for good this time.

I'm confident he is the perfect fit for what the club needs right now, especially on a two-year contract rather than a long-term commitment.

While we should always strive for the highest standards, it is unrealistic to expect a Premier League or Champions League challenge next season.

United's focus will be to build on the foundations laid and improvements made in the past six months and move closer to that ultimate goal.

If the risk pays off and there is clear progress after these two years, Carrick will have earned his extra year or an improved deal. If not, the squad should be in a better place for a more proven coach to step in and take it to the next level.

Carrick - the man who has overseen the first phase of recovery from Ruben Amorim's time in charge - is a more logical candidate than another new arrival, who would require time to settle into the club and create a bond with the hierarchy and the players.

Is the 44-year-old best in class, with Middlesbrough the only other club on his managerial CV? Perhaps not.

Yet does any other currently attainable candidate suit the criteria? Definitely not.

Carrick has returned and completed the task at hand somewhat at a canter.

He has guided United back into the Champions League by any means necessary. The performances haven't been perfect, but you can't argue against 10 wins from 15 matches - and just two narrow defeats.

Carrick and his staff have earned the players' respect, have made Old Trafford a fortress again, and have pushed this club back on to the right path.

He will now have the opportunity to implement the style of football he wants to play and to work with the Red Devils to continue building a squad which is ready to challenge for the biggest honours again.

Getting the summer transfer window correct should be the immediate priority, especially as it will shape his tenure's chances of success.

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Michael Carrick says "it's time to move forward together again" after it was confirmed he will remain in the role as Manchester United head coach until 2028.

The former United midfielder re-joined as head coach in January and achieved 11 wins in 16 games to return Champions League football to Old Trafford next season.

"From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United," Carrick said. "Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride.

"Throughout the past five months, this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here.

"Now it's time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again."

Director of Football, Jason Wilcox said: "Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men's team. In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club's values, traditions and history.

"Michael's achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build."

What are Carrick's first and most important two tasks as manager and why? Tell us

Michael Carrick has been asked so many times when there will be clarity over his future recently, he could have told the media to use his answer from previous briefings.

In a sense, despite presiding over 11 wins during his 16 games in temporary charge, the hard work starts now for Carrick.

Third place in a 40-game season – United had no Europe and fell at the first hurdle in both domestic cup competitions – is one thing. Improving in a campaign that could extend to 60 matches is another.

Clearly, United need to get their recruitment right. Central midfield is the key area. Casemiro is leaving, Manuel Ugarte is not good enough and Kobbie Mainoo can't play in every single game.

If Patrick Dorgu continues to be used in a more advanced role, competition for Luke Shaw at left-back is also urgently needed. The same is also true for Senne Lammens in goal as Radek Vitek wants to build on his outstanding season at Bristol City by continuing to play all the time, which would not be the case if he returned to Old Trafford next season.

Support can come from United's academy. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Jacob Devaney has impressed in the Scottish Premiership on loan at St Mirren. Promising England Under-20 international Shea Lacey will surely get more of a chance next season.

But the academy cannot do the heavy lifting. Carrick needs support from the recruitment department.

Statistical pieces have been published outlining why United have not been quite as good post-Ruben Amorim as their results suggest. This is harsh and ignores the sense of calm Carrick has brought to Carrington, the stability he brings to the dressing room and his refusal to panic in difficult moments.

It might not seem that way but given the extra games, third next season would be a massive improvement. Carrick needs players to stand a chance of achieving it.

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Tuchel confirmed Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) and Josh King (Fulham) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

George Best would have been 80 years old today.

It is six decades since he started to dazzle home audiences and over 40 years since he last played a game - but he is one of a rare breed whose legacy endures.

Either in the colours of Manchester United or Northern Ireland, the highlights of his career encapsulate why many who saw him still argue he was the best player ever.

For those who are younger, whose parents were too young to see Best play, there is a modern-day comparison.

"Lionel Messi is close to George Best in the way he plays," said another former United and Northern Ireland great, Sammy McIlroy. "He can dribble, beat people, score goals and make goals."

McIlroy counted Best as a hero when he was growing up in Belfast. Best later became his mentor and team-mate.

"Messi has this amazing dribbling ability," McIlroy added. "Best had it too, but this was in the 1960s when the conditions were much different to the way they are now. The pitches were terrible and your opponents wanted to hurt you.

"Norman Hunter, Tommy Smith and Ron Harris were good players, but they were cruel in the way they played. It didn't bother George, though.

"It didn't matter who was dishing it out. He used to take the rough stuff, get up, and say: 'Come on then, let's have some more'.

But there was more to Best than what he did on matchday.

McIlroy recounts he was a fierce competitor in training and, at odds with the devil-may-care attitude his off-field antics often portrayed, he was also a father figure to young players from Northern Ireland like him who had travelled to England with dreams of representing United.

Read the full article here

Manchester Unitedare confident of sealing the double transfer of 26-year-old Atalanta midfielder Ederson and 26-year-old Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer. (Sky Sports Italy - in Italian), external

The Red Devilsview Newcastle Unitedleft-back Lewis Hall as a leading option for next season, while Bayern Munichand Liverpoolare also interested in the 21-year-old England international. (Teamtalk), external

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is set to miss out when Thomas Tuchel names his 26-man England squad on Friday for this summer's World Cup.

The 33-year-old said he is "shocked and gutted" at the decision.

Maguire was named in Thomas Tuchel's previous squad in March, for the friendlies against Japan and Uruguay.

In a post on Instagram, Maguire confirmed: "I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had. I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision.

"I've loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years.

Maguire's Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw is also set to be omitted despite his impressive season.

Shaw was named in Tuchel's 55-man provisional squad and there had been a clamour for his inclusion.

But, with Newcastle's Dan Burn and Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly in line to be called up, Shaw is expected to miss out.

Read more here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Casemiro's Manchester United career is over – now it is time to give youth a chance.

As predicted, Michael Carrick confirmed veteran midfielder Casemiro will play no part at Brighton on Sunday.

Last Sunday's Old Trafford farewell "went as well as we could have hoped", according to the United boss.

That means there is at least one spare spot available in Carrick's squad – and there is likely to be a couple more.

While Carrick stressed he would respect the position Brighton – and the other European qualification hopefuls – are in on the final day, the game does offer an opportunity to see how some United youngsters deal with the intensity of a Premier League game.

Carrick did not say who he is thinking about, but midfielders Tyler Fletcher – twin brother Jack is thought to have an injury – and Jim Thwaites, plus forward Shea Lacey, seem most likely to benefit at the Amex Stadium.

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Brighton at the Amex Stadium (16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Carrick confirmed Casemiro will not feature at the Amex after waving goodbye to the Old Trafford crowd in last weekend's win over Nottingham Forest: "Case and I kind of decided last week would be his last game. That went well as we could have hoped. He's been fantastic. I've said a lot about Case, it was decided it could be a good time for him to finish."

• He hinted that he will give young players a chance against the Seagulls: "This club is about bringing young players through. Getting the balance right going into games like this, it's depending on how the game goes to make the most of that. We've got some really good young players to take the next step."

• However, he stressed United want to finish the campaign strongly: "There is an element of balance in the last game. We're not done, the season is not done, we're really conscious of that. There is a real balance between trying new things and evolving. The biggest thing is we're really conscious to respect this last game and what it stands for."

• He did not offer any update on his future, despite reports that he will be confirmed as the club's permanent manager in the coming days: "It was said end of the season, we're not far away. Clarity is around the corner. At this stage I can't give you anymore."

• On facing Brighton, who are themselves in the hunt for a European finish: "We're conscious of the situation of the game and what's at stake. We've put ourselves in a position where we are in the league and we want to finish strong for ourselves as much as anything. We'll approach it as we would any other game. There's a lot to play for."

• Asked whether United challenge Arsenal and Manchester City in the coming seasons, he responded: "There's always improvement within the squad. Certain things you want to tweak, which we have done as we've progressed. We came in to put things in place and improve for the longer term. We've got a really good foundation of a squad, a good mixture of ages, and different stages of careers. We're really dangerous, we can score goals, which is encouraging moving forward."

• On building on the strong end to the season: "Keep moving forward in so many ways, it's never the finished article in terms of where we want to be. Momentum and improvements, sometimes it's staff, playing squad, new ideas."

Hear more from Carrick on BBC Sounds or by pressing play above

Listen to live commentary of Brighton v Man Utd on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra 3 and BBC Sounds

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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Michael Carrick's last pre-match news conference of the season is not expected to shed any light on him getting the Manchester United job on a permanent basis.

If Carrick won't talk about that, he may offer more insight into which of United's younger players are going to be part of his squad for Sunday's trip to Brighton.

Shea Lacey is the most obvious given his performances for United's Premier League 2 side this season.

The Fletcher twins, Tyler and Jack, have also trained extensively with the first team this season, while 18-year-old Jim Thwaites was on the bench for the first time at Chelsea last month.

It is important because United's pre-season starts the day before the World Cup final, against Wrexham in Helsinki.

It is impossible to imagine anyone involved at the World Cup figuring, which means younger players will form the basis of the travelling party and therefore be given a chance to impress before the new campaign and press their claims to be part of the squad heading into the season proper.

In a summer when United are going to be active in the transfer market, having academy players who can hold down a senior spot would allow more money to be invested elsewhere.

Come back to this page later for all the key lines from Carrick.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

George Best would have been 80 years old on 22 May.

It is six decades since he started to dazzle home audiences and over 40 years since he last played a game.

So myself and fellow former Manchester United and Northern Ireland great Sammy McIlroy have picked out five reasons why he is regarded by many as one of the greatest players in history.

Superb finisher

This clip shows Best scoring a lob right in front of the Stretford End against Tottenham in February 1971.

McIlroy said: "He does it so well because it just falls underneath the bar. There are actually two Spurs players on the line, and he still lobs it into the goal. Absolutely fantastic."

Brilliant balance

This clip shows Best managing to stay on his feet to score the winning goal in a 2-1 League Cup win over Chelsea in October 1970.

McIlroy added: "I was actually at this game. It was remarkable - the bravery and skill. There is everything in that goal."

Brilliant balance

This clip shows Best scoring one of his most iconic goals in a 2-0 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford in October 1971.

McIlroy explained: "You see the Sheffield United defenders thinking: 'How did he do that?' - he just takes them all on. He is going away from goal but he has the nous to put it in the far corner, leaving the goalkeeper no chance at all."

Big-game player

Best scored for Manchester United in a 4-1 victory over Benfica to win the 1968 European Cup.

McIlroy reminisced: "Pure class - to score a goal like that in a European Cup final is a dream come true."

Dribbling ability

This clip shows Best scoring a hat-trick for Manchester United in a 4-2 win over West Ham in September 1971.

McIlroy said: "Best was up against the great Bobby Moore, one of the best defenders in the world at the time. He shows him a dummy, goes past and smashes it past the goalkeeper. It was a remarkable goal."

Read the full article here

Manchester United are monitoring Borussia Dortmund left-back Julian Ryerson, 28, with the Norway international being lined up as a possible replacement for Noussair Mazraoui. (Sky Sports Germany), external

United could take advantage of Southampton's Spygate controversy by moving for 22-year-old Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles. (Mirror), external

Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Marcus Rashford as they look to make his loan deal permanent, but are yet to agree a transfer fee for the forward with Manchester United. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Borussia Dortmund are unlikely to bring United winger Jadon Sancho, who is on loan at Aston Villa, back to the club for a third spell. (Bild - in German), external

Meanwhile, Inter Miami are closing in on the signing of Casemiro, who is leaving United at the end of the season. (Athletic- subscription required), external

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Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in England forward Jarrod Bowen, 29, as rival clubs prepare to capitalise on West Ham's financial problems if they are relegated by targeting their best players. (Guardian), external

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Jay Motty from the Stretford Paddock says Luke Shaw has had a fantastic season for Manchester United - but still thinks the club may need to bring in an additional left-back in the transfer window.

Shaw, who has suffered several long-term injuries in his 12-year spell at United, has enjoyed an injury-free campaign this term and started every Premier League game.

However, Motty worries this season could be "an anomaly" and therefore an extra option at left-back may be needed next season, when United will also have Champions League football added to their schedule.

"It's a shame that his United career, on the whole, has been hampered by injuries," said Motty on BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast.

"Before going into this season, for the last five campaigns he had missed over half the games, which is a crying shame because they should have been his peak years. Between the ages of 24 and 29, you expect to be at your best and we haven't seen enough of him because of those injuries.

"That's not his fault. He suffered that horrific injury under Louis van Gaal in Europe and had other injuries and niggles since.

"There was a lot of anger when he wasn't fit for United and then he went to the Euros, which again wasn't his fault. I wouldn't begrudge him that.

"But he's been playing regularly this season and you can see the quality he's got and the experience he has.

"It's a weird one for United because if Shaw stays fit for next season then they are laughing, but there's part of me that feels like this season is an anomaly and you need another option at left-back.

"I am a bit concerned about whether he can maintain this level of fitness, but if he can then he's a fantastic footballer."

Listen on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Andre Onana is planning to report for pre-season training at Manchester United even though he knows the club are looking to move him on this summer.

Onana lost his place initially to Altay Bayindir at the start of the season, since when Belgium international Senne Lammens has established himself as United's first choice goalkeeper.

Onana will complete his loan stint at Trabzonspor on Friday when they take on Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup final.

United will return for pre-season training in mid-July, ahead of their opening friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July, the day before the World Cup final.

Onana is among a small group of senior United players who will not be involved in the World Cup, and the anticipation is they will be the core of the squad for the Wrexham game, supplemented by a large number of academy players.

Lammens and Bayindir are both set to be at the World Cup, although veteran Tom Heaton is about to sign a new one-year contract.

Will Murdock started for United's Under-21 side in their Premier League 2 final defeat at Brighton, with Under-18 keeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes on the bench. In addition, the future of Radek Vitek, who had such an outstanding campaign on loan at Bristol City, is still to be decided.

The unknown is whether Onana will be included for the Wrexham game if his future remains unresolved, or if he will be exiled, as was the case last summer, when Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia and Antony were all put in a 'bomb squad' by Ruben Amorim and told to train at different times to the main first team group.

Onana's only appearance for United this season was in the embarrassing EFL Cup defeat at League Two Grimsby.

He has played 29 league games for Trabzonspor as they secured a third place league finish and European qualification ahead of Friday's final in Antalya.

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Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney recalles his fallout with Sir Alex Ferguson that saw him not named in the squad for Ferguson's final home game at Old Trafford.

Although Rooney did not figure against Swansea, he did join his team-mates in the Premier League title celebrations after the match when United were presented with the trophy.

At the time, Ferguson said Rooney "was not keen to play" in his last home match as Manchester United manager and confirmed the club had refused his transfer request.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said: "I'd trained all week with no issues. I was in the dressing room 90 minutes before kick-off and he announced the team.

"Mike Phelan asked me to go into the office, so I obviously did, and I was told I wasn't on the bench and he'd not put me in the squad because of the arguments and what had happened.

"He didn't want any distractions on what was going to be his final home game.

"I felt that was wrong because I wasn't being a distraction and I had trained hard so that I was ready to play. I didn't cause any issues.

"But that was it. I went up and watched the game from one of the boxes and had about four pints.

"The worst thing about it was then we had to lift the Premier League trophy and the boss was handing medals out so I had to put my head down!

"That was tough and hard to take, but in the bigger picture, you are better off having those discussions within the club which is what I went and did.

"That's better than airing it in public."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Returning Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho wants to sign England forward Marcus Rashford, 28, who is on loan at La Liga champions Barcelona from Manchester United. (Sport - in Spanish, external)

Manchester United and Chelsea are both interested in signing Germany forward Karim Adeyemi this summer, with Borussia Dortmund willing to sell the 24-year-old for the right price. (Teamtalk, external)

English goalkeeper Tom Heaton, 40, is poised to sign a one-year contract extension to stay at United for a sixth season. (Mirror, external)

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