Manchester United will play Champions League football next season with Michael Carrick at the helm, setting them up for a busy summer transfer window
Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United speaks during a press conference at Carrington Training Ground on May 21, 2026 in Manchester, England
Manchester United have been guided into the Champions League by Michael Carrick(Image: Getty)
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Manchester United ended their season on a high after a resurgence under Michael Carrick secured their place in the Champions League next season. The Englishman secured the job permanently thanks to his turnaround.
Things have continued to look up for United since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim and a 3-0 victory over Brighton on Sunday rounded off what ended up being an impressive campaign. The club finished third in the top-flight and will play Champions League football once again.
Verbal agreement reached
With Casemiro set to depart and Manuel Ugarte's future uncertain, talkSPORT claims United are acting quickly to secure a midfield talent ahead of the transfer window opening.
A report states that a full verbal agreement has been reached with Atalanta star Ederson over a prospective five-year deal. Talks between the two clubs are supposedly underway and £43million is the proposed fee.
Ederson Jose of Atalanta Bc controls the ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Ederson has reportedly agreed to join United(Image: Getty)
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Ederson, not to be confused with the former Manchester City goalkeeper of the same name, may not be the only midfield addition United make this summer, if they can get this transfer over the line.
It has been reported that the club are seeking at least one other player to fill the middle of the park for Carrick, with Elliot Anderson identified as a costly but ideal target.
Scott McTominay price tag set
On the subject of midfielders, Scott McTominay continues to impress in Italy after his £26m transfer to Napoli from United in 2024. He has won the Super Cup this season, in addition to his Serie A title from last campaign.
The Scotsman, who will be crucial to his country at the World Cup this summer, has also helped Napoli secure Champions League football and a former Italy star reckons his transfer value has skyrocketed.
Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli gestures during the Serie A 2025/2026 football match between SSC Napoli and Udinese Calcio
McTominay has become a fan favourite in Italy(Image: Getty)
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World Cup winner Marco Materazzi said: "I love Scott McTominay. When he established himself as a young player at United, I told my son he would become one of the best in the world. And now he is. He is an incredible box-to-box player.
"I still don't understand how Manchester United could sell him for so little. In my opinion, he's worth £70m, but he left for £26m. Is this one of the biggest transfer mistakes in history? I definitely think so."
McTominay's sensational form has even prompted Napoli to open talks over an improved contract extension until 2030, an upgrade on his current deal which runs until 2028. It is expected he will agree to this extension, according to reports.
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