Manchester United are flying right now. They've climbed to third in the Premier League under Michael Carrick, taking 19 points from 24 available since he replaced Ruben Amorim in January. A win against fourth-place Aston Villa on Sunday would be massive for their Champions League hopes.
But here's the thing – nobody knows if Carrick will still be in charge next season. His contract runs out in May, and United haven't made up their minds yet. Behind the scenes, they're already working on summer transfers regardless of who ends up managing the team.
Carrick has seriously impressed the bosses at Old Trafford. He started with stunning wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, and the team kept that form going until last week's heartbreaking 2-1 loss at Newcastle. More importantly, he's handled the media pressure brilliantly – something that seemed to overwhelm both Amorim and Erik ten Hag.
Still, United aren't rushing to hand him the permanent job. They know this hot streak could fade, so they want to do their homework properly. For bettors watching United's top-four odds improve weekly, Carrick's uncertain future adds an interesting wrinkle to next season's predictions.
Who Else Could Take the Job?
United's shortlist took a hit when Thomas Tuchel extended with England and Carlo Ancelotti looks set to stay with Brazil. Both were dream candidates with Champions League and Premier League titles on their CVs. That's what United really want – a proven winner at the highest level.
Now they're looking at Unai Emery, Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi, and Julian Nagelsmann. Mauricio Pochettino isn't in the running – United expect him to return to Tottenham after the World Cup. The problem? Only Emery would really excite the fans as a clear upgrade, but his old-school demand for total control clashes with United's modern structure.
Summer Transfer Priorities
United need two midfielders and a left winger this summer. That's the priority list, though a backup goalkeeper might also arrive. Casemiro is leaving when his contract expires, and while the 34-year-old is past his prime, his six Premier League goals this season show he'll be missed.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson is target number one, despite Manchester City sniffing around. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Brighton's Carlos Baleba are also options. United would love Newcastle's Sandro Tonali or Bruno Guimarães, but getting either would be nearly impossible given Newcastle's tough negotiating style.
The good news? Kobbie Mainoo is staying after Carrick revived his career. The 20-year-old was frozen out by Amorim but is now crucial to United's plans. His future alongside two new midfielders gives United confidence they can compete for Champions League football again.
The left winger hunt is interesting because Patrick Dorgu looked great before his hamstring injury. United tried for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo in January but couldn't match Manchester City's wage offer. Clearly, they want more options out wide regardless.
Money remains tight after years of bad spending. United still owe £422 million in transfer fees, with £238 million due by next season's end. They'll listen to offers for Rasmus Højlund (currently on loan at Napoli), Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, André Onana (at Trabzonspor), and Mason Mount – none of whom justified their massive fees.
Marcus Rashford will likely leave this summer even if Barcelona don't trigger their £26 million option. Jadon Sancho's nightmare spell ends when his contract expires, saving £300,000 weekly in wages. Tyrell Malacia also departs as a free agent.
Harry Maguire's situation is tricky. The 33-year-old has been solid when fit, helping younger players and scoring from set pieces. United might offer a one-year extension on reduced wages, but he'll probably get better offers elsewhere. It depends whether Maguire values staying at United over financial security.
The biggest question mark? Bruno Fernandes. The captain's contract expires next summer, and he has a £57 million release clause. At 31, this is United's last chance to get serious money for him – and possibly his final opportunity for a huge payday, likely in Saudi Arabia. If United make the Champions League under Carrick, though, Fernandes might just stay put. This one could dominate headlines all summer.
