Manchester United latest with Michael Carrick on the cusp of Champions League football
Manchester United face Liverpool on Sunday aiming to secure Champions League football and complete the double over their bitter rivals.
United has performed remarkably since taking over from Ruben Amorim, with a return to UEFA’s elite competition now virtually guaranteed before the weekend fixtures. Meanwhile, it’s also been a hectic week behind the scenes, with Kobbie Mainoo signing a new long-term contract.
However, with Casemiro and others set to depart, there could be a wave of transfer movement this summer. There is also the considerable matter of the managerial situation to resolve. Carrick has positioned himself as a contender to secure the role, while there are also calls for United to appoint a proven top-level boss. Here’s a summary of the latest developments from Old Trafford…
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Carrick ‘clear favourite’
Carrick has become the club’s frontrunner to land the position on a permanent basis. The former midfielder could scarcely have achieved more since stepping into the void, and has extracted the best from players who had previously underperformed or been sidelined.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Carrick is the “clear favourite” to lead the team forward. The Italian reporter claims Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group have been enormously impressed with the way the former Middlesbrough manager has revitalised the club both on and off the pitch.
Romano adds that a final decision hasn’t been made and that other candidates are under consideration. However, at present, Carrick is in pole position.
‘Contact made’ with £34m star
United have entered the expanding list of clubs tracking midfielder Danilo, according to reports emerging from Brazil. The centre of midfield is an obvious priority this summer and multiple signings in that area could be forthcoming.
United have made enquiries regarding the Botafogo star’s availability, per Fogao.NET, who say a fee of £34m would be required. United’s interest is described as a preliminary ‘check’ rather than a formal approach at this stage.
Danilo would be no stranger to the Premier League, having spent two-and-a-half seasons at Nottingham Forest. The 25-year-old joined Forest from Palmeiras in January 2023, clocking up 62 appearances.
He delivered an impressive debut full campaign at the City Ground and began the 2024/25 season as first-choice in midfield, only to sustain a serious ankle injury in the opening fixture of that term.
He returned to his homeland for a fee of approximately £22m last summer and has enjoyed an outstanding season in Brazil’s top division with nine goals and three assists so far.
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