Here is a roundup of the top Manchester United news, gossip and transfer latest from icfootballnews featuring the likes of Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick that you may have missed…
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has claimed that Michael Carrick has emerged as the leading candidate to take the permanent managerial role at Old Trafford this summer, according to reports.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown suggested that Carrick’s growing reputation as a coach, combined with his deep understanding of the club, has placed him firmly in contention as United’s hierarchy consider their long-term options.
Carrick impressed during his time in charge at Middlesbrough, earning praise for his tactical approach and ability to develop young players. His work in the Championship did not go unnoticed, and Manchester United gave him the chance to lead the side for the remainder of the season.
He has won seven of his nine Premier League games and Brown indicated that Manchester United are seriously weighing up the possibility of handing him that permanent job at Old Trafford, he told Football Insider that Carrick is still the outstanding candidate.
“I listened to what Roy Keane was saying after the Aston Villa game,” Brown told Football Insider.
“I found it very strange, I don’t often disagree with Roy but I disagree with him on this, he was saying there are plenty of better options than Carrick.
“Well if that was the case, who are they? I don’t think there’s a manager out there, who is going to be available, and would be enough to oust Carrick. He’s done everything asked of him, he’s turned results around including his first two games against Arsenal and Man City, and he’s won seven of nine in charge.
“The players clearly like him, I’m told the club have been impressed by what they’ve seen, so as far as I’m concerned, Carrick is still the clear front runner.
“They’re well in contention for a Champions League place, and if they’re still there come the end of the season, I’m sure he will be the one to get the job.”
Manchester United are aiming to re-establish themselves as consistent challengers domestically and in Europe, and the next managerial appointment is widely regarded as crucial to that ambition. Whether the club opt for an experienced, proven winner or a rising coach like Carrick remains to be seen.
For now, the reports add an intriguing dimension to the ongoing speculation surrounding the future of the Old Trafford dugout. As the summer approaches, Carrick’s name appears set to remain firmly in the conversation.
BRUNO FERNANDES MESSAGE SENT
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has urged the club to do whatever it takes to keep Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford this summer, amid growing speculation surrounding the Portuguese star’s long-term future.
Reports suggest that Fernandes, who has been a central figure for United since his arrival from Sporting CP in 2020, could attract interest from top Saudi Clubs if uncertainty around the club’s direction continues. While there has been no formal indication that the midfielder is pushing for a move, the ongoing transition at Manchester United has inevitably led to questions about the futures of several key players.
Butt, who remains a respected voice within the club’s former player network, believes losing Fernandes would be a major setback. Speaking about the situation, he stressed that United must prioritise tying down their captain and ensuring he remains the focal point of the team moving forward.
Fernandes has consistently been one of United’s most influential performers, contributing goals, assists and leadership during a period that has otherwise been marked by inconsistency. Even during difficult spells, the midfielder has often been the driving force behind the team’s attacking play, underlining his importance to the squad.
‘Manchester United cannot let him go, no matter what it costs them,’ Butt said. ‘They cannot let Bruno Fernandes go. They’ll have to give him anything he wants to keep him because if they let him go the fans will go absolutely nuts.’
he added: ‘It’s no coincidence that he’s now playing where he should have been playing for the last two years and he’s playing unbelievably well and creating chances. His pass for the second goal (versus Villa) is an unbelievable pass.
‘I think I was part of a few people who criticised him a little bit, not because of his performances and his playing but as a captain as leader because I’m old school and I look at captains like Tony Adams, Brian Robson, Roy Keane.
‘What he’s always done is created and scored goals and he’s carried that football team pretty much on his own for I’d say a good two years, two seasons.’
He did, however, stop short of giving Fernandes a spot in his all-time Manchester United XI: ‘I can see why they’re saying that talent-wise, but the problem I’ve got with that is who do you leave out and where’d you put him?’ Butt said. ‘Are you going to play him before (Eric) Cantona, (Paul) Scholes, (Brian) Robson, (Roy) Keane?
‘It’s a no in my eyes but that’s not taking anything away from his talent – he is an unbelievable footballer and they did talk about him being player of the year this year and I can see why.
‘Up until when Michael (Carrick) took over, he was playing in a team that were really poor and not performing but he was the only one performing and now the team have got better under Michael and are getting results he just looks like an unbelievable player.’
As the summer approaches, all eyes will be on how Manchester United handle the situation. For Butt, the message is clear—keeping Bruno Fernandes should be a top priority, regardless of the cost.
lENY YORO WANTS MAGUIRE TO STAY
Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has voiced his hope that the club will reach an agreement with teammate Harry Maguire over a new contract before the England international’s deal expires this summer.
The 20-year-old centre-back praised Maguire’s experience and influence in the dressing room, saying the veteran defender has been an important mentor since his arrival at Manchester United. Yoro said he would welcome the club securing the 33-year-old’s future at Old Trafford as discussions continue over a possible extension.
Maguire’s current deal is due to run out at the end of the season, and his future remains uncertain amid reports that Manchester United are assessing their defensive options ahead of the upcoming transfer window. While the club has several younger defenders in its ranks, injuries to players such as Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt have increased Maguire’s importance to the team in recent months.
Yoro, who joined United in 2024, has frequently played alongside Maguire this season and credits the former club captain with helping him adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League. According to the French defender, Maguire regularly offers guidance on positioning and decision-making during matches and in training sessions.
The partnership between the pair was evident in United’s recent 3-1 victory over Aston Villa, a match in which Yoro produced a composed performance in defence as the club strengthened its push for Champions League qualification
“Having Harry in the team is good for us,” Yoro said after United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford. ‘If he can stay next season, it’s really good for us, so I hope he’s going to extend his contract and he can stay with us. We’ll see, we’ll see anyway.
“With all the experiences he has, he gave a lot of tips, he spoke to me a lot on the pitch, so this helped me a lot. He always speaks with me, sometimes he speaks before the game, or at half time, about positioning as well, so playing with him is really good for me.
“We speak a lot. Even before the game, during the week, we speak a lot about the opponent.”
Maguire’s situation forms part of a broader period of transition at Old Trafford, with several senior players nearing the end of their contracts. Midfielder Casemiro is also expected to depart when his deal expires, adding to the uncertainty surrounding United’s experienced core.
Despite those uncertainties, Maguire has regained form and importance within the squad after a challenging spell earlier in his Manchester United career, earning praise from staff and teammates for his leadership and resilience.
Talks over Maguire’s future are expected to continue in the coming months as United weigh up squad planning ahead of the summer window.
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