Manchester United have time to make major decisions with a three-week gap until Michael Carrick's side play again and his future and transfers on the agenda
Tom Victor Senior Sports Journalist and Neil Docking
09:13, 23 Mar 2026Updated 09:14, 23 Mar 2026
Michael Carrick has time to consider his Manchester United future this international break
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Michael Carrick has time to consider his Manchester United future this international break(Image: Getty Images)
As Manchester United prepare themselves for a long break, there's considerable attention on their potential summer strategy.
United don't have another fixture until Leeds visit Old Trafford on April 13. By the time that match gets underway, more than three weeks will have elapsed without a competitive game for interim manager Michael Carrick's team. The international break will provide an opportunity for those not departing with their national squads to refresh and recharge, while the club's hierarchy can consider new transfers for the summer.
It will also enable Carrick and his coaching team to reflect on Friday's 2-2 stalemate at Bournemouth and prepare for the final stretch. A top-four finish and a place in next season's Champions League would undoubtedly bolster Carrick's argument to assume the manager's role permanently. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Michael Carrick Head Coach of Manchester United shakes hands with Harry Maguire after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 15, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick has impressed during his time as Manchester United's interim manager(Image: Stu Forster, Getty Images)
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Carrick question
Former Premier League boss Tim Sherwood has questioned whether Michael Carrick would certainly accept the Manchester United position if it were offered to him.
A return of 23 points from a possible 30 makes him a more than credible candidate but circumstances would need to align for both parties, reports the Mirror.
"No one's asked Michael, he might say 'I don't want it'," Sherwood said during an appearance on No Tippy Tappy Football alongside Sam Allardyce. "I can't imagine he would, but you just never know."
Carrick was questioned about accepting the role permanently when he spoke to BBC Sport in February. "For me, it's the ultimate role," he said.
He continued: "I don't decide how long that's going to be, but I love being here, and while I'm here, I'll give everything I can. And I always plan for the long-term future for the benefit of the football club. That's how I believe it should be."
Rashford 'issues'
Marcus Rashford of Barcelona
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Marcus Rashford has been used sparingly by Barcelona of late(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford was handed merely eight minutes from the substitutes' bench as Barcelona defeated Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Ronald Araujo's first-half strike proved sufficient for victory, extending their winning streak to five consecutive league matches.
Rashford has been utilised sparingly recently, with Barca manager Hansi Flick stating the England international had returned to full fitness following recent "problems".
Flick suggested he would need to rotate his entire squad during a hectic end to the season and the striker demonstrated his readiness when summoned.
"There's time [to make decisions]," the manager said. "There's the World Cup. I believe in my players. Cancelo, Rashford, Gerard... they give us quality. And the rest do too. We'll talk at the end and see what happens."
Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid in their first La Liga match following the break. This clash will be quickly succeeded by two additional encounters with Atleti in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Man Utd eye Lewis-Skelly
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - JULY 26: Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta talks to Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Arsenal training session at Singapore Sports Hub on July 26, 2025 in Singapore. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Myles Lewis-Skelly has fallen down Mikel Arteta's pecking order(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
United are contemplating an audacious bid for Arsenal left back Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The 19-year-old has been a fringe player for the Gunners this season, playing backup - and sometimes even third choice - to Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie.
He hasn't touched a ball since Arsenal's fourth round FA Cup victory against Wigan last month and hasn't appeared in the Premier League since early January.
It represents a dramatic shift for a player who, following his breakthrough into the senior squad last season, seemed set to cement himself as a permanent fixture for Arsenal - and potentially England.
United are reported to have placed Lewis-Skelly on a four-man shortlist as they look to bolster their left-back options.
Worries over Luke Shaw's fitness issues, combined with expectations that Tyrell Malacia will move on, have heightened the need to strengthen in that position.
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Whether Arsenal would approve a transfer to a direct competitor remains uncertain. Lewis-Skelly signed a contract extension in June 2025, securing his future at Arsenal until 2030, and is valued at around £50m.
But with Michael Carrick steering an upward trend at Old Trafford and first-team opportunities currently scarce, the possibility of a switch could appeal to Lewis-Skelly.