Manchester United are in a fight to sign one of the Premier League's top talents as they are all but assured of Champions League football and next face bitter rivals Liverpool in the battle for third
06:57, 01 May 2026Updated 06:59, 01 May 2026
Michael Carrick wants to get Manchester United back to the top
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Michael Carrick wants to get Manchester United back to the top(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United appear set to conclude another turbulent campaign by clinching Champions League qualification.
Michael Carrick has performed admirably in revitalising the team following Ruben Amorim's dismissal. Monday's victory against Brentford left United on the verge of securing a spot in UEFA's premier tournament. Carrick's squad are now practically guaranteed to finish within the top five, though they'll be eager to conclude the campaign with impetus by claiming third place.
They can make significant strides towards that goal by completing a league double over their bitter rivals, fourth-placed Liverpool on Sunday. It's been a hectic week away from the action as well, featuring a significant contract announcement and ongoing rumours regarding United's next manager should Carrick not be retained. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford on April 27, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Mainoo's dramatic U-turn
Kobbie Mainoo has made a remarkable change of direction by penning a fresh contract that will secure his services at United until 2031.
Earlier this campaign it seemed Mainoo's destiny might lie beyond Old Trafford as he slipped from favour under Amorim and saw a loan departure request in August turned down, reports the Mirror.
However, he has been revitalised under Carrick and fresh terms have been under discussion for several weeks.
Kobbie Mainoo
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It's been a rollercoaster season for Kobbie Mainoo (pictured with Jason Wilcox), who has committed his future to United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
The midfielder began just one of United's opening 22 fixtures this season – the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby in August – yet since Carrick's arrival, he has started all bar one match, playing a pivotal part in United's revival.
Director of football Jason Wilcox responded to the news by describing Mainoo as "one of the most naturally gifted young footballers in the world".
Meanwhile, the player himself declared: "We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead."
Neville champions Germany chief
Julian Nagelsmann
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Julian Nagelsmann is set to lead Germany in the 2026 World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Gary Neville suggested Carrick would depart United with his reputation intact as he praised Julian Nagelsmann as a potential successor, though he fell short of endorsing the Germany manager.
While Carrick has positioned himself as a candidate for the permanent role, there remains a sense that United require a proven elite coach to drive the club forward.
One possibility is Nagelsmann, who might fancy the position following his leadership of his nation at the World Cup.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, Neville commented: "Michael is probably one of the best lads you could ever meet and he's obviously intelligent. He's at the start of a coaching career.
Gary Neville
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Gary Neville thinks maybe Michael Carrick should walk away(Image: Overlap)
"The other day I thought it would be so classy and so Michael-like if he said, 'Guys, I've done what I came in to do. I've got you into the Champions League, I've re-stabilised the club, settled the place down. Now go and put someone in.'
"Look, people say, 'Who would you put in?' And, this is not a pitch for Nagelsmann to be the manager of Manchester United – I haven't watched enough of his football.
"But if I look at his work at Hoffenheim, his work at [RB] Leipzig, which is a serious coaching club, then he goes to [Bayern] Munich and wins the league, then takes Germany to the World Cup. And you say, 'Right, let's look at that coach.' That is a serious body of work."
Tonali pursuit
Italy star Sandro Tonali
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Italy star Sandro Tonali(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Manchester United and Arsenal may battle it out this summer to sign Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.
According to the Sun, the Premier League rivals both want the 25-year-old, who may be among talents leaving the struggling Magpies - who are not yet safe from relegation this season, with four games left to play.
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Fabrizio Romano claims the Italian will not look to return to Serie A but is instead focused on remaining in England next season.
The former AC Milan man cost The Magpies £55m when they signed him in 2023 and is expected to go for around £100m.
He signed a contract extension with Newcastle at the end of last year, which keeps him at the club until summer 2029, with an option for an additional year until 2030.