- Man Utd set to offer Michael Carrick deal
- Appointment could benefit three stars
- Three players might be fretting over their futures
Manchester United are reportedly set to offer Michael Carrick a two-year deal to become the permanent head coach. His expected appointment will be good news for some players and bad news for others.
Carrick’s incredible spell in charge thus far has seen United book their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. He’s earned huge support from fans and the higher-ups, especially with his handling of the squad.
The 44-year-old hasn’t just got results; he’s also lifted the mood at Carrington, fostering a positive environment that helps his players thrive. But some members of his squad might feel the repercussions of his permanent appointment.
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Winner: Kobbie Mainoo
Starting off with the most obvious winner, and that’s Kobbie Mainoo, who has been the biggest benefactor of Carrick’s arrival. The English midfielder lacked game time under Ruben Amorim, so much so that he pushed to leave the club on loan.
Mainoo’s future has been sorted out, and he’s penned a new long-term deal with the Reds. Carrick hasn’t just reintegrated the 21-year-old into his starting lineup; he’s made clear he’s the future of the football club.
Loser: Manuel Ugarte
The Uruguayan has failed to impress since joining United from Paris Saint-Germain for £50m in the summer of 2024. Signed to ideally become Casemiro’s long-term heir, the 25-year-old has stuttered and looks to be up for sale.
Carrick hasn’t shown the same level of trust in Ugarte as his predecessor, Amorim. How times change because Mainoo might have been the one making way had the Portuguese coach remained in the dugout.
Winner: Harry Maguire
One of the most important players in Carrick’s squad is Harry Maguire, who, like Mainoo, recently signed a new one-year deal. His influence extends beyond the pitch; he is a key voice in the dressing room with years of experience.
Carrick needs leaders who know how to handle the spotlight of Old Trafford. The 33-year-old has also been superb since the change in coach and is ideal to help the likes of Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro develop.
Loser: Mason Mount
Mason Mount has endured a difficult spell at United since arriving from Chelsea for £60m in 2023. The decision to sign the English midfielder remains puzzling.
The 27-year-old isn’t a central midfielder, so he isn’t the one to turn to alongside Mainoo. There’s no chance of him displacing Bruno Fernandes, and he’s clearly not viewed as an integral part of Carrick’s plans.
Winner: Benjamin Sesko
Many wrote Benjamin Sesko off during the first half of his debut season at the Theatre of Dreams. The Slovenian striker took his time adapting to life in the Premier League.
Since Carrick replaced Amorim, the 22-year-old has been on fire, bagging seven goals in 13 games. His current head coach has spoken glowingly of the former RB Leipzig frontman throughout his tenure.
Loser: Joshua Zirkzee
While Carrick has handed Sesko a central role in his frontline, the same can’t be said for Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward has been reduced to a bit-part role and his latest outing in a 0-0 draw against Sunderland won’t have helped his cause.
Zirkzee cost £36.5m from Bologna in the summer of 2024 and was expected to rival Rasmus Hojlund for the number nine role. His lack of goals and dissapointing displays might lead Carrick and the transfer chiefs to search for a new Sesko backup.
