Manchester United have a busy summer ahead, regardless of whether they clinch qualification for the Champions League
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United arrives prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo arriving ahead of Everton vs Manchester United(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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It has been a busy week for several Premier League sides thanks to European responsibilities, but Manchester United have had the luxury of observing from the sidelines. Weekend opponents Crystal Palace faced Zrinjski Mostar in the second leg of their Conference League play-off on Thursday, giving them only a few days' recovery time ahead of their visit to Old Trafford.
Should Michael Carrick's side capitalise and claim all three points, it would bring them a little closer to making sure they end the season in the top four. Nearest rivals Chelsea and Liverpool will be looking to ramp up the pressure, though, with Arne Slot's reigning champions welcoming West Ham to Anfield on Saturday and Liam Rosenior's Blues taking on league leaders Arsenal in Sunday's 4.30pm kick-off.
Carrick's own position may well depend on his ability to build upon the foundations he has already laid. United have accumulated 16 points from a possible 18 under the interim manager, and appear to have reaped the rewards of a lighter schedule whilst their competitors contend with a more congested calendar.
In today's round-up, attention shifts to the summer transfer window and the business the club will and won't be pursuing. Here's the very latest from around Old Trafford.
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Onana may not get his wish
Manchester United have no plans to reintegrate goalkeeper André Onana next season, according to TeamTalk. The Cameroon international is currently on loan at Trabzonspor but is not anticipated to remain with the Turkish side beyond the conclusion of the current campaign.
United are reportedly eager to remove Onana's wages from their payroll, with Senne Lammens now firmly established as the number one keeper at Old Trafford. Reports suggest they will dismiss Onana's request to prove his worth back at Old Trafford, instead seeking to offload him this summer, whether that's on another loan or in a permanent deal, which would surely force them to take a hit on the £47m they paid Inter Milan to acquire him in 2023.
TRABZON, TURKEY - FEBRUARY 14: Andre Onana of Trabzonspor AS during the Turkish Super lig match between Trabzonspor v Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Trabzon Turkey (Photo by Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates Images/Getty Images)
Andre Onana at Trabzonspor(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
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United face the prospect of allowing Kobbie Mainoo to enter the final year of his contract without a new deal in place. The Sun report that neither party has yet resumed negotiations over an extension, with the midfielder currently still on the deal he agreed around the time he made his debut for the club in 2023.
Mainoo turned down an offer from United towards the close of the 2024/25 season and struggled for regular game time under Ruben Amorim in the first half of the current campaign. There was talk of a departure in January amid interest from Napoli but he has re-established himself as a first-team regular under interim manager Carrick.
United do retain a one-year extension clause on Mainoo's contract, which currently runs until the summer of 2027. However, the club are said to be planning further discussions over a lengthier deal when the time comes to reopen talks with his representatives.
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Ronaldo's new investment
Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Spanish side Almeria. The promotion-chasing club was bought by Saudi consortium SMC Group and has now seen Ronaldo invest via CR7 Sports Investments.
"It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch," Ronaldo said in a statement as the investment was confirmed. "UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club's next phase of growth."
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