Manchester United have four pressing matters that need sorting before a permanent head coach comes in including transfer business, Kobbie Mainoo's future, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United Technical Director Jason Wilcox (left) and CEO Omar Berrada
Manchester United's hierarchy have some decisions to make before the 2025/26 season comes to an end(Image: PA)
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Manchester United's decision to part company with Ruben Amorim at the start of the month and appoint an interim head coach until the end of the season in Michael Carrick has its luxuries.
When the former United midfielder returned to the club, it was understood that a permanent head coach would be appointed in the summer for the 2026/27 season. But after wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, calls for Carrick to get the job permanently have grown louder.
There is still work to be done for Carrick's reign to become permanent. Right now, the plan for the club is to address several pressing matters while finding the right man for the job to handle the cards provided.
In an ideal world, Champions League football will return to Old Trafford, meaning there will be much greater wriggle room for transfer business. Whoever gets the job on a full-time basis will have plenty of building to do.
Right now, there remain so many question marks about specific players and the club's transfer plan. However, four clear priorities need to be sorted out immediately.
Mainoo's contract
After being shunned by Amorim and forced to watch the first half of the season from the dug-out, Kobbie Mainoo's future is a pressing matter. The England international showcased his talent against Man City and Arsenal, prompting many to question why he was left out in the first place.
His long-term future remains a doubt, though, with his current contract expiring in 2027. Reports have stated that United are keen to open talks on improved terms and a longer contract. Recently, Louis Saha suggested United should let Mainoo focus on his football and hold off on discussions until the summer.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion
Kobbie Mainoo's future at Manchester United has been uncertain through this season(Image: (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images))
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However, that would take the situation out of United's hands. With one more year left on his deal, Mainoo will seem destined for an exit if an agreement isn't in place any time soon. Before the new manager comes in, having Mainoo on a new long-term contract solves one issue and avoids any complications.
Midfielder hunt
United's search for a new midfielder has been ongoing for some time now. After Manuel Ugarte failed to reach the expectations, an attempt to sign Carlos Baleba at the end of the summer never materialised.
Now that Casemiro is leaving the club at the end of the season and Ugarte continues to be linked with a move away from England, a new face in the middle of the park is guaranteed to be the priority in the summer.
Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are the top two targets, with other teams interested in signing the English pair. The likely appointment of a manager who plays 4-2-3-1 means the arrival of an elite midfielder should make their start to life at Old Trafford easier.
Dorgu hint
One of Carrick's tactical tweaks in his first two games at United saw left-back Patrick Dorgu push further forward and join the forward line. In his place, Luke Shaw has started at left-back. Dorgu is set to miss a period on the sidelines with injury, meaning a change will be required against Fulham.
Matheus Cunha is the obvious candidate to come in, but the Brazilian isn't naturally a left winger. In the summer, should United stick with this system, a new winger will be required, and the names being linked to that role have produced some exciting prospects.
Raphinha and Rafael Leao have both been linked with a move to the Premier League. Champions League money will make their signings more realistic, but it's a position United have to recruit for next season.
Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao is the latest attacker linked with Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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More contract talks
Mainoo isn't the only United player who is facing uncertainty over his future. Harry Maguire, 32, will become a free agent at the end of the season if a new contract isn't agreed. It's understood that United bosses are yet to decide what to do with the centre-back, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe said to be keen on a partnership of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
Maguire's performances in recent years offer security of what they will get with an extension. The worrying thing for the England international would be that Micky van de Ven, Natan, Marcos Senesi and Ousmane Diomande are still being mentioned as possible defensive targets for United.
Away from Maguire and United have five players whose current deals expire in 2027. Alongside Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Toby Collyer and Altay Bayindir will all enter their final year in the summer.
Fernandes' future is a hugely important but sensitive subject given that he is United's best player in recent years. However, he will be 32, nearly 33, when his contract expires, and this summer could see the club receive a hefty transfer fee from Saudi Arabia. It's a tough decision.