Manchester United have received a major boost in their pursuit of a £100million star they made a late transfer move for last year as a deal appears more likely after latest update
06:38, 29 Mar 2026
Michael Carrick
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Michael Carrick's Manchester United future beyond the end of the season remains unknown
While many in the Premier League might see the international break as a breather, Manchester United certainly don't due to the constant updates and speculation coming from Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick's bid to become the next permanent manager continues to strengthen as United take a step back to assess. The club legend has suffered only one defeat in his 10 matches in charge, boasting a flawless victory record in five games at Old Trafford. His work this season is far from over, though plans for what could be another season-defining transfer window are already in motion.
Last summer saw United bring in several new faces who have significantly contributed and Carrick will be hoping he's still there to take his chance this year. The mood around United couldn't be more positive compared to the gloom that prevailed when Ruben Amorim departed in January. The Daily Star Sport looks at the latest developments at the club as United gear up for their comeback against Leeds in two weeks' time.
Brighton ready to reduce Baleba fee
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion controls the ball during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at Amex Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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Manchester United could return for Carlos Baleba(Image: Ryan Pierse, Getty Images)
After being put off by Brighton's valuation of Carlos Baleba last summer, United have been handed a significant boost in their chase for the midfielder. Following a late inquiry about the midfielder's availability, United quickly withdrew after learning the Seagulls demanded over £100million for his services.
In today's market and considering the campaign Baleba had just completed, there are might have been clubs who would have matched that asking price. But following the 22-year-old's reduced impact this season, Brighton have suitably lowered their demands.
That's according to The Sun, which also claimed Brighton are considerably more open to a deal than they were 12 months ago. Having had time to process the situation and identify a replacement, it appears the Seagulls could be far more easily appeased this summer.
And United appear certain to require midfield additions. Casemiro has already confirmed he'll leave a vital position in deep-lying midfield, while speculation connecting captain Bruno Fernandes with an exit continues to persist.
It remains unclear precisely how much Brighton have adjusted their valuation of Baleba, who arrived from Lille for an initial £23.2m in 2023. A cautious estimate would indicate the south coast outfit expects to at least triple that sum should they sell this summer provided United retain the same interest.
Dalot compares Carrick and Amorim
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Diogo Dalot of Manchester United makes a point to manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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Diogo Dalot has compared Michael Carrick to Ruben Amorim(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)
Diogo Dalot has surprisingly revealed that interim United manager Carrick hasn't changed things dramatically at United compared to when Amorim was at the helm. However, the most significant tweak to United's formation has enabled the team to rediscover their spark.
United have secured 23 points from a potential 30 in the league since Carrick assumed control in January. That contrasts with a haul of just 14 points from the preceding 10 league fixtures under Amorim, many of which appeared more straightforward on paper.
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Dalot, 27, has remained a constant under both managers and offered a fascinating insight into the contrasts between the pair. Yet it was actually the full-back's observations on how the coaching approaches are alike that will intrigue many.
Speaking to DAZN Portugal this week, Dalot said: "If you analyse it closely, things are not that different from what we were doing with Ruben. If you look at the pieces of the game individually, you don't see that many differences. The biggest difference is the profile of the player. Now we play with one less defender and one more attacking player.
"As I say many times, at the end of the day what really matters is the result. When confidence is high, with the quality of players we have, sometimes you don't even need to say much and players go on the pitch and perform well."