Manchester United are preparing to face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Friday night
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has spoken about a midfielder(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Manchester United will aim to strengthen their hold on a Champions League spot as the team prepare to face Bournemouth on Friday night. Michael Carrick’s side can move further away from the chasing pack with a positive result against the Cherries.
The interim boss secured another statement win against Aston Villa last time out, moving three points clear in third. Goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko added to the rejuvenated atmosphere that Carrick has cultivated since taking charge.
The trip to Bournemouth marks another test of United’s Champions League credentials. They are likely to be without several players, including Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez, but Mason Mount has returned from injury.
Away from the pitch, United loanee Jadon Sancho has been touted with a permanent move away from Old Trafford. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at some of the headlines surrounding the club.
Michael Carrick plan
The United boss has explained he will not rush Mason Mount back into his starting XI. The 27-year-old recently returned to the matchday squad against Villa but has not played since Carrick’s first game in charge two months ago.
"Starting would be too much, I think, at this point, [for Mason]," Carrick explained. "Just for the training time and the exposure he's had, really.
“But it's brilliant to have him back. He's a fantastic player, Mason, and great to have around the group again.
"So [I'm] delighted to have him back and, obviously, the break coming up now gives him a chance to get even more up to speed. So, in some ways, that's come at a good time for him."
Jadon Sancho of Aston Villa
Jadon Sancho has been linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund(Image: Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Jadon Sancho targeted
Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho has reportedly emerged as a target for his former club Borussia Dortmund. The winger is currently on loan at Aston Villa.
The Times reports that Dortmund are optimistic of signing Sancho for a third time when his United deal expires in the summer. The club previously opted not to sign wingers in the transfer market due to manager Niko Kovac’s preferred playing style but the coach is claimed to have given his approval for a deal to be struck.
A big-money signing from Dortmund in 2021, Sancho failed to show his best form in a United shirt and temporarily rejoined the German club in 2024. The 25-year-old spent last season with Chelsea before sealing a deadline day move to Villa, where he has made 18 league appearances this term.
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