Manchester United’s early revival under Michael Carrick has not only steadied results on the pitch but also subtly reshaped the club’s internal culture. As the Red Devils prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off, confidence is growing that Carrick’s interim reign could stretch far beyond its original remit.
Three wins from three have given Man United a rare sense of direction, and Carrick is already making his impact felt behind the scenes. With a quiet January transfer window now behind them, attention is shifting toward the summer and with it, the possibility of unexpected reunions. One name now resurfacing is Scott McTominay, whose future at Napoli may be more open than first imagined.
Napoli open to McTominay exit
Manchester United’s recent history with returning stars has been mixed at best. High-profile homecomings for Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba have not brought sustained results, so supporters will naturally be wary whenever talk of a reunion arises. Yet McTominay’s case feels different.
The Scotland international left Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 for a modest £25 million fee, a move many felt undervalued his influence. That sentiment has only grown since. McTominay has flourished in Serie A, winning a league title with Napoli and earning the club’s Player of the Year award in the process.
Now, Napoli appear realistic about his long-term future. Speaking to talkSPORT, the club’s global business development officer Leonardo Giammarioli acknowledged that a big offer could be difficult to resist.
“Of course I’m worried,” Giammarioli admitted. “But especially Scott, who’s a very nice guy, we’re happy if he gets to the next level in a couple of years. Maybe not now, maybe not next year, but he deserves it.”
United’s midfield reshuffle could bring McTominay back
Giammarioli also acknowledged that when major offers arrive and the player is open to moving, financial realities often dictate outcomes. Napoli’s stance shows they highly value McTominay, but they do not consider him untouchable.
For Man United, that creates intrigue. With Casemiro approaching the twilight of his Old Trafford career and ongoing uncertainty surrounding Bruno Fernandes’ long-term role, McTominay’s blend of physicality, leadership and tactical discipline could suddenly look like a smart correction rather than a sentimental gamble.
United would almost certainly need to pay a premium for a player they may regret selling in the first place. However, with a healthier budget expected after a quiet January, a reunion no longer feels unrealistic.
Carrick sets new tone at Old Trafford
While transfer talk simmers, Carrick’s most immediate influence has come through decisive changes to United’s daily routine. The former midfielder has shown little interest in preserving inherited practices, instead prioritising clarity and player welfare.
One of his first tactical calls was abandoning Ruben Amorim’s three-at-the-back system, reverting to a more familiar shape that has brought balance and control. Michael Carrick has reintegrated Kobbie Mainoo after a period on the fringes, while Patrick Dorgu’s advanced positioning has added fresh attacking thrust down the left.
But Carrick’s most telling shift may be off the pitch. According to reports, he has scrapped the long-standing policy of mandatory training sessions the day after matches, a method favoured by both Amorim and Erik ten Hag. Instead, Michael Carrick now schedules recovery work two days after matches, giving players extra time to physically and mentally reset.
It’s a small one, but reflective of Carrick’s more tranquil and human approach. Early indications are the squad has reacted well, showing some snap in practice and increased energy overall.
As Tottenham arrive at Old Trafford, United find themselves in unfamiliar territory: calm, cohesive, and quietly optimistic. Whether Carrick’s reign leads to permanence or a McTominay reunion, remains to be seen. But for now, Manchester United finally look like a club moving forward, rather than chasing its past.
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