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The 2026/27 campaign will be a crucial one for Michael Carrick at Manchester United, as he tries to balance the demands of the Premier League and Champions League.
The 45-year-old demonstrated his ability to impress in England’s top-flight last term, subsequently losing just two of his 17 games after replacing Ruben Amorim.
However, the addition of top-level European football will add further strain and expectations onto the squad - something which the manager desperately needs to manage.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick celebrates after the match
Pre-season has given him the perfect opportunity to get a closer look at his players and hand increased opportunities to those who would usually struggle to feature.
Man Utd's star performers in pre-season so far
New signing Andrey Santos has featured in all three of the club’s pre-season games to date, but it was his recent outing against Atletico Madrid which has seen praise be directed his way by the supporters.
The Brazilian featured for 82 minutes of the 2-1 victory on Saturday afternoon, completing 93% of the passes he attempted - providing Carrick with a deep-lying option at the base of the midfield.
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He also caught the eye without the ball, as he made three tackles, three interceptions and won 100% of his ground duels - subsequently starting to prove a lot of people who doubted his transfer wrong.
Bryan Mbeumo has carried his fine form last season into the Red Devils' pre-season tour, as he emulated Santos in impressing against the Spanish giants.
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Man Utd top PL scorers in 2025/26
Player
1) Bryan Mbeumo
2) Benjamin Sesko
3) Matheus Cunha
4) Bruno Fernandes
5) Casemiro
6) Patrick Dorgu
The Cameroonian international netted twice against Diego Simeone’s men at the weekend, securing Carrick’s men the victory after being a goal down just five minutes in.
The 26-year-old even operated in a slightly unnatural centre-forward position, which highlights the manager’s decision to take a closer look at other players in different roles.
Regardless of where the manager believes the attacker is best suited, he's demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net once again - something which will be needed next term to secure a push for the title.
Man United star could save Carrick millions this summer
Despite the additions of Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer, United are still desperately hunting for added midfield depth ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
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The return to Champions League football will add more games to the club’s schedule, which increases the need for added depth and quality in key areas of the squad.
The midfield department needs exactly that this summer, especially after Casemiro departed the Red Devils on a free transfer at the end of his contract.
However, Carrick could decide to hand Mason Mount a greater role in the first team next season, after impressing under the manager throughout pre-season.
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The 27-year-old, who joined from Chelsea for £55m, has started every game on the club’s tour and has partnered Santos at the base of the midfield.
Like the new addition, he’s caught the eye with his displays in Carrick’s side, with the Englishman’s most impressive display coming against Atlético last weekend.
Mount massively impressed with the ball at his feet, subsequently completing 89% of his efforts, whilst making 13 passes into the final third of the pitch.
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Such numbers showcase his ability to progress the play from deep-lying positions, something which the Red Devils have desperately lacked over recent seasons.
Even without the ball, he managed to impress, subsequently making two tackles and five ball recoveries as United came from behind to secure an eye-catching victory.
Mount’s quality without the ball was also evident in the previous clash with Rosenborg, which saw him also make three ball recoveries and two interceptions.
His spell in Manchester has often been plagued by injuries, but Carrick will certainly be hoping the worst of his issues will now be firmly in the rear view mirror.
The 27-year-old has previously caught the eye of former United stars when fully fit, with Roy Keane previously stating that he plays the game “like Paul Scholes.”
Mount
Many United fans will crave another midfield addition this summer, but Mount has showcased he’s more than capable of operating in a deep-lying position at Old Trafford.
Utilising the Englishman will save the hierarchy millions of pounds in the process, which could see other areas of the squad improved before the end of the summer window.
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