Manchester United are reportedly set to reject one star's hopes of proving himself at Old Trafford next season, while the club are still planning contract talks
Tom Victor Senior Sports Journalist and Neil Docking
06:48, 27 Feb 2026
Michael Carrick has overseen a resurgence at Manchester United
View 5 Images
Michael Carrick has overseen a resurgence at Manchester United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United's weekend opponents Crystal Palace beat Zrinjski Mostar 2-0 and 3-1 on aggregate in the second leg of their Conference League play-off, but have been left with reduced recovery time ahead of their clash at Old Trafford.
Should Michael Carrick's team capitalise and secure all three points on Sunday, it would edge them closer to achieving a top-four finish. Nearest rivals Liverpool and Chelsea will feature on either side of United's fixture, with Arne Slot's Reds welcoming West Ham on Saturday and Liam Rosenior's Blues confronting league leaders Arsenal in Sunday's evening encounter.
United have collected 16 points from a potential 18 under the interim manager and appear to have gained from having fresher players while competitors navigate a more congested schedule. And a return to the Champions League would hugely boost the club's summer transfer window warchest. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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)
View 5 Images
Andre Onana has failed to impress on-loan at Trabzonspor(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Onana request to be denied
United possess no plans to welcome back mega flop goalkeeper Andre Onana next season, according to TeamTalk.
The Cameroon international is presently on loan at Trabzonspor but isn't anticipated to remain with the Turkish side beyond this campaign's conclusion.
The club are reportedly eager to remove Onana's salary from their wage bill, with Senne Lammens now established as Old Trafford's number one.
Reports suggest they will decline Onana's appeal to demonstrate his worth back at Old Trafford and seek to offload him - even if that involves accepting a loss on the £47m they paid Inter Milan for the calamity keeper's signature in 2023.
Mainoo contract risk
Kobbie Mainoo
View 5 Images
Mainoo's current deal runs until 2027(Image: Getty Images)
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings
United continue facing the danger of permitting Kobbie Mainoo to enter his contract's final year without securing an extension agreement.
That's according to reports that the player and club have yet to resume discussions over fresh terms. Mainoo is understood to have turned down United's proposal towards the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick
View 5 Images
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
He struggled for playing time under Ruben Amorim and was connected with a January departure, but has re-established himself as a regular under Carrick and that has fuelled hopes of him signing a new deal.
United do retain a one-year extension clause on Mainoo's agreement, which concludes in summer 2027.
Nevertheless, they are reportedly still planning discussions regarding an extended deal for the academy product, despite talks with the player's representatives remaining stalled since 2025.
Ronaldo's new investment
Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr
View 5 Images
Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr(Image: Waleed Zein/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Former Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has secured a 25% stake in Spanish side Almeria via his CR7 Sports Investments company.
The club, which is primarily controlled by Saudi consortium SMC Group, are presently battling for promotion to La Liga, reports the Mirror.
"It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch," the 41-year-old said in a statement.
Article continues below
"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."