Overview
- Carrick, who is reported to have agreed a two‑year contract with an option for a third, was lined up on Monday with United expected to confirm his coaching team soon.
- His interim spell lifted United to third place with Champions League qualification secured with games to spare after a strong run from January.
- An active window is being prepared, with pundits Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker saying four to five signings are needed and reports linking United to Sporting CP left‑back Maxi Araujo with a £69m clause.
- Key player decisions are in motion, with Marcus Rashford said to have personal terms in principle at Barcelona while the clubs remain apart on a £26m fee, and veteran Tom Heaton close to a one‑year extension that helps meet UEFA homegrown quotas.
- Former players Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes have questioned Carrick’s readiness, pointing to few recent clean sheets and the test of managing a heavier schedule across multiple competitions.