Many Manchester United supporters would have been fearing the worst for the 2025/26 campaign, especially after the start the side endured under the guidance of Ruben Amorim.
The 41-year-old was handed his marching orders after three successive draws against Burnley, Leeds United and Wolves - with all three sides currently inside the bottom six of the Premier League.
As a result, Michael Carrick was handed the manager’s job on a temporary basis, with his temporary appointment undoubtedly saving the Red Devils’ season.
Michael-Carrick
He’s since won six of his seven games in charge of the club to date, drawing the other, subsequently taking the side ahead of Aston Villa and into third position.
Carrick’s success at Old Trafford has mainly been down to a switch back to a 4-2-3-1 system, which has allowed numerous players to recapture their best form in England’s top flight.
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Captain Bruno Fernandes has often been United’s shining light in the Premier League over recent years, with the Portuguese international the man called upon to produce the goods in forward areas.
Since Carrick’s appointment at Old Trafford, the 31-year-old has returned to a more natural number ten position, which has seen the leader recapturing his best from in front of goal.
Bruno-Fernandes-Man-Utd-Wolves
He’s featured in all seven games since the manager took the reins in January, subsequently registering seven combined goals and assists during such a period.
Bruno isn’t alone in starring over the last couple of weeks, with summer addition Benjamin Sesko finally starting to show glimpses of why INEOS paid £73m for his signature in the summer.
The Slovenian has had to bide his time, even under Carrick, often being left on the substitutes bench, before coming onto the pitch and catching the eye with his efforts in front of goal.
The 22-year-old has now netted six goals in his seven appearances under the temporary boss - with such a tally the highest of player within the senior ranks at present.
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The recent form in the Premier League has undoubtedly catapulted them into the race for a Champions League spot, which could allow the club to recruit even more top-level talent.
Bruno and Sesko are just two players in the squad who have demonstrated their excellent ability to push the side forward, potentially securing a needed return to European football.
Sesko
As for the latter of the duo, it’s evident that the new additions made last summer have been capable of providing the goods, with the side netting 50 goals already this campaign.
The Slovenian isn’t the only new addition who’s managed to catch the eye for the right reasons, with Bryan Mbeumo also hitting the ground running after his move to Old Trafford.
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INEOS forked out a reported £71m for the signature of the Cameroonian from fellow Premier League side Brentford, after he netted 20 league goals during the 2024/25 campaign.
Many pundits claimed that a deal was too expensive for the 26-year-old, but it’s safe to say the attacker has already managed to silence a lot of his critics in recent months.
Mbeumo has already netted nine league goals in his 23 appearances to date - with no player in Carrick’s squad managing to net more with just ten games remaining.
The forward has also contributed with three assists during such a period, with his tally the joint-second most of any senior player as Fernandes leads the way with 13.
Bryan-Mbeumo-Man-Utd-West-Ham (2)
His underlying stats are also just as impressive, as the Cameroonian currently ranks at the top of numerous different category within the Red Devils ranks.
Mbeumo, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by one analyst, has registered the most shots on target of any United player, whilst also achieving the best shot on target average.
Bryan Mbeumo - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Shots on target accuracy
Conversion rate
Chances created
Crosses completed
Pass accuracy
Touches in 18-yard box
Fouls won
He’s also regained the ball back in the final third more than any player in Carrick’s squad, which highlights his incredible ability without the ball alongside his goalscoring prowess.
As a result, Mbeumo is now valued at a remarkable £65m by Transfermarkt, with such a figure the highest of any player on the books at Old Trafford in 2025/26.
Amad-Bryan-Mbeumo-Man-Utd
His subsequent value is higher than that of starmen Sesko and Fernandes, with the aforementioned duo only valued at £52m and £34m respectively, despite their recent success.
It’s safe to say United’s transfer business last summer was some of the best deals the hierarchy have completed over the last couple of transfer windows.
Mbeumo has certainly impressed at Old Trafford - as seen by his incredible tallies - with the club desperately needing to emulate such a move in the summer to aid their Premier League title hunt.
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