Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos could send a real statement of intent with Premier League side Manchester United before the start of the new campaign.
Michael Carrick’s first full season as the permanent Manchester United manager will begin at the MKM Stadium against newly promoted Premier League side Hull City.
The 45-year-old United legend has been locked into the pre-season tour and has overseen two wins from three matches since the Red Devils’ return to action in July.
Michael Carrick can now look ahead to pre-season tests against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and AC Milan ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
READ MORE: Bryan Mbeumo is not only Benjamin Sesko’s striker back-up as he fulfils vital role at Man Utd for Michael Carrick
Getty Images
The Michael Carrick vs Luis Enrique battle will put Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos in the spotlight
Michael Carrick will now cross paths with Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique, a man who was heavily linked with his current role at Old Trafford.
Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe were urged to push for Luis Enrique as the ‘perfect’ replacement for Ruben Amorim, who had been sacked by the Red Devils in January.
Enrique oversaw Paris Saint-Germain complete a successful Champions League title defence during the 2025-26 campaign and the Spaniard also lifted the Ligue 1 trophy.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, speaks with Omar Berrada, chief-executive officer of Manchester United, during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 08, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
The 56-year-old Spaniard put to bed any noise that he could make the move to Old Trafford amid reports that he plans to sign a new long-term contract with PSG.
Despite the rumblings around Man Utd’s reported interest in Enrique, Ineos and Red Devils co-owner turned to Carrick as Ruben Amorim’s long-term Man Utd successor.
READ MORE: If Mason Mount stays fit, Man Utd No 7’s ‘new’ role under Michael Carrick could play out in 2026-27 season
Getty Images
Man Utd vs PSG might be a friendly on paper, but Ineos will want the bragging rights from the match
Carrick became the seventh permanent Man Utd manager ahead of the final match of the 2025-26 season after he made it nearly impossible for Ineos to ignore him.
The Red Devils legend’s impressive interim head coach reign saw Man Utd climb into the Premier League top four and secure Champions League football for next season.
United’s clash with PSG might mean nothing on paper — it is a friendly after all — but it feels like Ineos and Ratcliffe will want a chance to silence their critics.
The likes of Roy Keane were calling for a pursuit of Enrique last season rather than backing the permanent appointment of Carrick to the Old Trafford hot seat.
It feels like the stage is now set for Ineos and Ratcliffe to prove a point by throwing their backing behind the ‘Carrick era’ at United rather than a potential ‘Enrique era.’