Manchester United round-up as Michael Carrick is urged to take a leaf out of Sir Alex Ferguson's book
Marcus Rashford of Barcelona disappointment during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 21, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Marcus Rashford's status at Barcelona appears to be up in the air(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
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Manchester United will be aiming to avoid another blow to their ambitions of qualifying for Champions League football when they travel to Chelsea on Saturday.
The Red Devils must respond after being shocked at home by Leeds, who secured their first league triumph at Old Trafford in 45 years on Monday. With fifth set to be sufficient to guarantee Champions League football once more, third-placed United remain in solid standing.
However, defeat in west London would hand Chelsea renewed hope, having dropped to sixth following a dismal spell under Liam Rosenior. Even if Champions League qualification is achieved, interim boss Michael Carrick may need to deliver it with a flourish to boost his prospects of securing the role permanently.
There are numerous questions to address both on and off the field over the coming weeks, with United expected to be active in the transfer market this summer. Here's a round-up of the latest news and views from Old Trafford...
Carrick told to be like Ferguson
Carrick requires an aggressive edge like Sir Alex Ferguson. That's according to former United winger Lee Sharpe, who played under the club's greatest manager during the 1990s.
Sharpe believes Carrick needs to be stricter with the players when they fall short, as they did against Leeds. He told BetWright: "Sir Alex Ferguson was completely different. He ruled through fear.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick has been urged to change his ways(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"He came in and scared everyone to death and had an aggressive team. The spine of his team was unmatched. He was on top of everyone and that drew out the success from the team.
"You can't argue with Sir Alex's record as manager. Ideally, Carrick should take a bit of aggression from Sir Alex to give the players a kick up the backside on occasion, which is what they needed during and after the Leeds game."
Rashford suffers transfer blow
Barcelona continue to waver over whether to sign Marcus Rashford outright this summer. The Catalan giants hold the option to convert his loan spell from United into a permanent deal for £26million.
Marcus Rashford
Rashford has struggled since Christmas(Image: Getty Images)
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However, according to Marca, a definitive decision has yet to be reached amid growing uncertainty. Barca's plans to secure Rashford have "cooled off" and are "close to being ruled out" amid reservations surrounding the England forward's performances since the turn of the year, it is claimed.
He has managed just two goals in his last 16 appearances and has failed to capitalise on positional rival Raphinha's injury-enforced absence from the side.
Barca are reportedly questioning whether the pre-agreed fee could be better invested elsewhere. Following their Champions League elimination at the hands of Atletico Madrid, Barca don't play again until Wednesday, when they welcome Celta Vigo in La Liga.