Manchester United's free schedule this week has benefitted some of their key stars
Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on February 7, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Michael Carrick's influence at Manchester United has been heavily felt(Image: Getty Images)
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A near two-week break without a game is not a normal occurrence for Manchester United. But that's the reality for the Premier League giants following exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and the absence of European football.
Despite the club almost certainly ending the season without silverware, supporters are in high spirits thanks to the dramatic shift in performances and results under Michael Carrick since his appointment last month.
Leading his former side to four straight wins, including victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, their winning run ended in the 1-1 draw to West Ham but the point kept them in fourth place.
Carrick scraps Amorim rule
Michael Carrick gestures at fans
Michael Carrick has gotten rid of one of Ruben Amorim's key rules(Image: Getty Images)
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The morale at Old Trafford has dramatically risen since Carrick's appointment last month. The Englishman has led the club to four wins out of five and his influence has been felt by the players both on and off the pitch thanks to seemingly scrapping a rule brought in by Ruben Amorim.
During the Portuguese manager's reign at United, he banned mid-season breaks following the criticism Marcus Rashford and Casemiro endured for flying out to the United States during an international window.
However, Carrick has lifted his rule with Bruno Fernandes and Senne Lammens both utilising the freedom. Given United's early elimination from the FA Cup, the club are in the midst of a 13-day break with their next match on February 23 against Everton.
The lengthy period without a game allowed Lammens to return to former club Royal Antwerp over the weekend, with the Belgian outfit posting a photo of the 23-year-old at their stadium. Club captain Fernandes opted for a trip back home to Portugal where he was spotted watching Pacos de Ferreira versus Torreense.
Sensational Liverpool raid
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool acknowledges the fans following the teams victory in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on February 14, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Manchester United are considering a stunning move for Alexis Mac Allister (Image: Lewis Storey, Getty Images)
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With midfield additions high on United's wishlist this summer, it has emerged that the Red Devils are plotting a potential move for Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister. While the club have expressed interest in Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, the Argentine is now a target for Carrick's side.
Speculation continues to mount that the 27-year-old - whose contract at Anfield ends in 2028 - could leave Merseyside this summer after what has been a difficult individual season.
If a move does materialise, it would represent the first direct transfer between the two rivals since Phil Chisnall swapped United for Liverpool in 1964.
It remains to be seen whether Mac Allister would entertain leaving Arne Slot's side but the World Cup winner has previously expressed his want to play in Spain before ending his career. United are a aware that a stunning swoop of the midfielder can only become reality if they qualify for the Champions League.
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