Manchester United have multiple first-team stars out on international duty with fringe players getting a chance to train hard ahead of the return of the Premier League
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park on March 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Bruno Fernandes has said yes to signing Sandro Tonali(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Manchester United fans will be without club football for a couple of weeks yet as the international break continues. Many first-team stars are involved in national team duty with Michael Carrick working hard with the non-internationals at Carrington.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot are away with Portugal, while Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo have joined up with on-loan Marcus Rashford in the England squad. Other international stars include Senne Lammens, Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Manuel Ugarte.
Carrick will continue important work at Carrington as United gear up for the visit of Leeds United on Monday April 13. With the Premier League's return still a while away for the Red Devils, plans for the summer transfer window will also be well underway.
Club receives new manager update
United have been hit with a major blow in their manager search as Luis Enrique looks set to sign a new deal at Paris Saint-Germain. The Spaniard is on the club's shortlist as they explore options for a new boss but details have emerged regarding his immediate future.
The i paper reports that club president Nasser Al‐Khelaifi is keen to keep Enrique for the foreseeable. The 55-year-old currently holds a contract that runs until 2027 but this looks to be receiving an extension in due course.
Luis Enrique, Head Coach of Paris Saint-Germain, poses for a photo with his winners medal.
PSG look set to keep a hold of Luis Enrique(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
It is understood that the signing of Dro Fernandez in January was looked upon as a 'sweetener' to keep Enrique around for the future. This news has reportedly left Carrick 'closing in' on the full-time position as he was set to keep the seat warm for a newcomer in the summer.
The interim boss has been impressive since taking over from Ruben Amorim in January with fans clamouring for his stay to be made permanent.
Bruno Fernandes gives movegreen light
Club captain Fernandes has reportedly backed the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle as United close in on midfield reinforcements. The Red Devils are keen on strengthening in the middle of the park and the Italian has been linked with a departure from the north east - with Arsenal also said to be keen.
Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy.
United are interested in the Italy international(Image: Mattia Ozbot - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
With Newcastle almost certain to miss out on Champions League next season - and United continuing to keep a hold of a European spot in the table - star players like Tonali could depart for pastures new.
The Daily Mail reports that United are expected to make a formal bid for the ex-AC Milan star. Fernandes is said to support the pursuit as Tonali is expected to be preferred over other options like Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
talkSPORT reports that a fee of between £80million and £100m could be enough to persuade the Magpies to lose a key component of their midfield. Newcastle paid £52m for the 25-year-old three years ago and are planning to make a profit if they are to lose his services.