The Ruben Amorim tenure as Manchester United boss was certainly one to forget, with the manager failing to have the desired impact during his time at Old Trafford.
From Europa League final defeats to 15th-place Premier League finishes - it truly was a dark period on and off the pitch for everyone associated with the Red Devils.
However, his dismissal back in January proved to be a blessing in disguise, with temporary boss Michael Carrick making an immediate impact in the role and catapulting the side up England’s top-flight.
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick celebrates after the match
The 44-year-old currently has the club sat in third place with just seven games remaining this term, which could secure Champions League football at the Theatre of Dreams in 2026/27.
Such an achievement would bring about huge financial gain for the club, whilst also allowing them to recruit top-level talent during the upcoming transfer window.
Man Utd enter talks to sign PL sensation
Over the last couple of days, it’s been reported that United are expected to make a move to land Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali during the summer window.
The Italian, who joined from AC Milan for £55m in the summer of 2023, is currently said to be the Red Devils’ top target for the midfield department during the off-season.
Sandro Tonali Newcastle
Any deal would likely be an expensive one for the club’s hierarchy, with the Magpies currently demanding a fee in the region of £80m for the 25-year-old.
Tonali isn’t the only Premier League talent currently in their sights at present, with Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly another player on their radar ahead of the summer.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Carrick’s men have already held talks with the Gunners over a potential deal for the left-back, who’s played 27 times this campaign.
He also claims that the 19-year-old appears keen to depart the Emirates in the months ahead in order to gain more regular and consistent Premier League minutes.
myles lewis-skelly
Jacobs added that the Red Devils see the youngster as an excellent option this window, with his ability to play in central midfield also a factor in the recent interest.
Why Lewis-Skelly would be Man Utd’s next Rooney
Signing young talents from elsewhere in the Premier League hasn’t been alien to United in years gone by, as seen with the £30m deal to sign forward Wayne Rooney back in 2004.
wayne-rooney-fifa-09-man-utd
The Red Devils put faith in the 18-year-old to make a huge impact at Old Trafford, with the teenager certainly repaying the trust during his 13 years in Manchester.
He would feature a staggering 559 times for the club during such a period, scoring on 253 occasions - subsequently breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s goalscoring record.
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Rooney claimed five Premier League trophies with United, even sitting as the division’s third-highest goalscorer on 208 - with his £30m transfer certainly looking like a bargain in today’s climate.
He will forever remain a legend in Manchester for his achievements with United, but the club could be about to unearth their next version of the star with a move for Lewis-Skelly.
Whilst the pair operate in different positions, the similarities are there for all to see, with the defender mirroring Rooney in arriving at Old Trafford as a teenager.
Despite his tender age, he’s already racked up 66 senior appearances, most of which have come in the Premier League - just as the record scorer did at Everton before his own transfer.
Pundit Jamie Carragher has already spoken highly of the current Arsenal star in recent times, even claiming that he reminds him of Rooney, given his talent and swagger at such a young age.
His stats from the current campaign demonstrate the talent he possesses with and without the ball - with such elements to his game no doubt improving United’s current first team.
Lewis-Skelly, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by Gael Clichy, has completed 89% of the passes he’s attempted, while creating 1.1 chances per 90 for his teammates.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Minutes played
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Dribble success
Fouls won
Duels won
Tackles made
Such numbers demonstrate his composed nature with the ball despite his tender age, which could be hugely beneficial for whatever manager takes the reins at Old Trafford.
He’s also completed 83% of the dribbles he’s attempted this term, whilst winning 1.7 fouls per 90 - which demonstrates the opposition often have to take him out to prevent him creating danger.
lewis-skelly-arsenal
Without the ball, the teenager has been just as impressive, as seen by his remarkable tallies of 4.6 duels won and 1.2 tackles made per 90 this campaign.
Lewis-Skelly’s talent at both ends of the pitch could well make him an excellent addition for United, whilst also having the chance to develop further, given his tender age.
Left-back has been a troubled area for the Red Devils over recent seasons, with his potential arrival solving such an issue for at least the next decade at Old Trafford.
It remains unclear how much a deal could set the board back, but there’s no reason why he can’t reach the same levels of Rooney should he make any move to join the club this summer.
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