The future looks bright for Manchester United and Michael Carrick, should the interim manager be kept on beyond the end of this season
Manchester United's Kai Rooney in action during the Under 18 Premier League between Manchester United U18s and Middlesbrough U18s at Carrington Training Ground on August 23, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Kai Rooney's Manchester United future is bright(Image: Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images)
View 5 Images
Manchester United have looked unrecognisable since Michael Carrick was appointed as interim manager in January.
Carrick has led the team into serious top-four contention after winning five and drawing one of his first six matches in charge. The mood around Carrington is unsurprisingly high as the players hope to have turned a corner after a dismal few years.
Part of that good feeling is down to Carrick restoring the so-called ‘United DNA’, which includes playing exciting and attacking football. Another aspect is reliance on young talent from the academy, something ingrained in the club since before the Class of ‘92, and one Carrick appears keen to continue.
Recent results and his footballing philosophy point towards a positive future at Old Trafford, where talented youth team graduates can combine with current first team stars and new signings to take United back to the very top.
The Manchester Evening News now takes a look at what the United team could hypothetically look like in five years’ time if they continue on their current trajectory, with a focus on their academy youngsters.
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 Preferred Source in your Google search settings
GK - Senne Lammens
The 23-year-old Belgian shot-stopper was signed for £18.2million last summer. He was brought in as a long-term No.1, much like David de Gea back in 2011. So far, Lammens appears a brilliant signing and United fans will hope he can go from strength to strength in the coming years.
RB - Michael Kayode
Brentford’s Kayode would be the ideal right-back to take over from Diogo Dalot later down the line. The Italian, still 21, possesses explosive athleticism, relentless overlapping runs, brilliant one vs one defending and a secret weapon in the form of a gigantic throw-in.
RCB - Leny Yoro
Leny Yoro of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on December 21, 2025 in Birmingham, England
Yoro is a talented defender(Image: 2025 James Gill - Danehouse)
View 5 Images
Yoro, 20, is still learning what it takes to be a top-class Premier League centre-back, but the Frenchman still has time on his side. Signed for £52.2m in 2024, Yoro is undoubtedly viewed as the long-term defensive cornerstone at United.
LCB - Cristian Romero
Tottenham captain Romero is reportedly looking to leave the north London club, and United would be smart to add him to their ranks this summer. The Argentine World Cup winner boasts a wealth of experience despite being 27 years old, making him the right man to bring balance to a young and promising defensive line. A fee of around £50m should be enough to land Romero.
LB - Harry Amass
Amass is one of the most talented United academy players in recent years and could be the player to finally step in and replace Luke Shaw. The 18-year-old is technically gifted and progressive on the ball. Should his loan spell at Norwich City go to plan, there is no reason why Amass can’t make the left-back position his own at United.
CM - Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United looks on
Kobbie Mainoo is a future United captain(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
View 5 Images
In five years’ time, Mainoo will still be only 26. The England international already has plenty of experience in big games and has returned to the fold under Carrick, who is impressed by Mainoo’s press resistance and ability to glide through traffic. United’s entire midfield identity could be built around the former academy superstar, and he is the most likely long-term captain in this team.
CM - Adam Wharton
While Mainoo would be the more adventurous of the midfield axis, long-term target Wharton, 22, could be brought in as the chief orchestrator from deep, setting the tempo much like Carrick did in his heyday. With the Crystal Palace ship well and truly sinking this season, the Englishman is valued at around £65m, making it an opportune time to bring him to Old Trafford.
CAM - Shea Lacey
Shea Lacey of Manchester United in action during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion on January 11, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Shea Lacey could be United's future talisman(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
View 5 Images
Lacey, 18, is the jewel in United’s academy crown at the moment. The left-footer, who made his first-team debut in December, is highly versatile, being able to play off the wing, though his creativity makes him the perfect long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes.
RW - Kai Rooney
The son of United legend Wayne Rooney, Kai is destined to make it to the first team, having joined United’s ranks at 11. Aged 16, he still needs to develop physically to earn his spot in the first-team XI, but he is already impressing with his intelligent off-the-ball movement from the right flank, cutting in and demonstrating a clean finishing technique.
LW - JJ Gabriel
Manchester United's JJ Gabriel celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal of the game during the Under 18 Premier League between Manchester United U18s and Middlesbrough U18s at Carrington Training Ground
JJ Gabriel is destined for the first team(Image: Getty)
View 5 Images
JJ Gabriel is one of the most gifted youngsters currently playing in the academy. The 15-year-old is raw and electric, bringing that same fearlessness on the wing that a certain Cristiano Ronaldo showcased more than two decades ago.
ST - Benjamin Sesko
Summer signing Sesko has looked more like the player United fought hard to sign last summer as the season has gone on. Still 22, the Slovenian’s height and ball-striking ability could make his £66.2m transfer fee seem like a bargain in five years’ time.