Manchester United fans remain in bliss despite a 13-day break without football
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 7: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United applauds the fans after winning the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on February 7, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has boosted morale at Manchester United(Image: Neal Simpson/Allstar, Getty Images)
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A break of almost two weeks without a fixture is an unusual situation for Manchester United.
Yet that is the current reality for the Premier League club following eliminations from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and the lack of European competition. Despite the club almost certainly finishing the campaign without any trophies, fans remain upbeat thanks to the remarkable transformation in performances and outcomes under Michael Carrick since his appointment last month.
After guiding his former club to four consecutive victories, including triumphs over Manchester City and Arsenal, their winning streak came to an end in the 1-1 stalemate with West Ham but the result maintained their fourth-place standing.
The interval has provided opportunities for the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount to regain match fitness following their return from injuries to further strengthen United's pursuit of Champions League qualification. We examine Carrick's latest assertion of his authority and United's reported surprising transfer strategy.
Carrick scraps Amorim rule
Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, celebrates victory during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on February 07, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Michael Carrick has yet to lose as United boss(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
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The atmosphere at Old Trafford has significantly improved since Carrick's appointment last month. The Englishman has steered the club to four victories from five matches and his impact has been experienced by the players both on and off the field thanks to apparently abandoning a rule introduced by Ruben Amorim.
Throughout the Portuguese manager's tenure at United, he prohibited mid-season holidays following the backlash Marcus Rashford and Casemiro faced for travelling to the United States during an international break.
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However, Carrick has relaxed his policy, with Bruno Fernandes and Senne Lammens both taking advantage of the opportunity. Following United's early exit from the FA Cup, the club are enjoying a 13-day break before their next fixture on February 23 against Everton.
The extended period without a match enabled Lammens to visit former club Royal Antwerp over the weekend, with the Belgian side sharing a photograph of the 23-year-old at their ground. Club captain Fernandes chose to travel back to Portugal where he was seen watching Pacos de Ferreira versus Torreense.
Stunning Liverpool raid
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 4: Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage on January 4, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister hasn't been at his best this season(Image: Getty Images)
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With midfield reinforcements a priority on United's summer shopping list, it has emerged that United are considering a potential swoop for Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister. While the club have shown interest in Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, the Argentine is now on the club's radar.
Speculation continues to grow that the 27-year-old - whose Anfield contract runs until 2028 - could depart Merseyside this summer following what has been a challenging personal campaign.
Having struggled to replicate the performances Liverpool supporters have grown accustomed to since his 2023 arrival, reports have now emerged regarding what would be the first direct transfer between the two rivals since Phil Chisnall swapped United for Liverpool in 1964.
Whether Mac Allister would consider departing Arne Slot's team is yet to be determined, but the World Cup winner has previously voiced his desire to play in Spain before retiring. United understand that a spectacular capture of the midfielder can only materialise if they secure a Champions League spot.