After a lengthy break, Manchester United will return to Premier League action against Everton on Monday night. They have their fate in their own hands when it comes to Champions League qualification, with Michael Carrick taking his team up to fourth place with 12 games remaining.
Results between now and May could well be a factor in whether Carrick remains manager beyond this season. The former United midfielder was placed in interim charge after Ruben Amorim was sacked but has been making his case for an extended stay.
You’ll see some big games on the horizon, with Carrick’s side taking on top four rivals Chelsea in April and Liverpool in May. They’ll be keen to get points on the board before then, with the knowledge that a European spot could help them land top summer targets.
Here’s the latest from around Old Trafford.
Greenwood finds new manager
Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has a new manager at Marseille. Habib Beye, the Senegal international defender who played more than 100 Ligue 1 games for the French club, has taken over following a spell in charge at Rennes.
Beye replaces Roberto De Zerbi, who left after a 5-0 hammering at Paris Saint-Germain. Sporting director Mehdi Benatia also looked set to depart, only for his exit to be reversed in time for him to welcome the new boss.
“The choice of Habib Beye as OM’s new coach is fully in line with our desire to recruit a coach with the leadership skills needed to take charge of a team that obviously needs to be re-motivated after a difficult period on the pitch,” Benatia said. “From our very first discussions, he struck me as extremely committed and totally focused on the future, with clear objectives for everyone: to quickly get back to winning ways, aim for a place on the Ligue 1 podium and try to win the Coupe de France to give the people of Marseille a trophy.”
Greenwood joined Marseille from United not long after De Zerbi’s appointment in 2024 and scored 21 league goals last season. He has 14 this term, more than any other player in Ligue 1 at the time of writing.
Fletcher shares Carrick revelation
Manchester United’s Under-18s had Michael Carrick and assistant Travis Binnion in attendance as they beat Oxford United 4-1 to reach the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals. However, manager Darren Fletcher revealed he didn’t tell his players until after their victory.
“I’m not sure if they’re aware of it, to be honest,” Fletcher told MUTV. “I didn’t want to draw their attention to it and add more pressure, so ultimately it’s just great that they were there. Whether the players were aware of it, I’m not sure, we just stayed in our own little bubble and I didn’t want to allude to the fact that the first-team manager was there and the staff were there. I think the biggest thing is they’re there to support and get their eyes on the players and that’s amazing.”
United, who had won at home in the third and fourth round, raced into a 3-0 lead through goals from Albert Mills, JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi. Josh Holton pulled one back for Oxford before Noah Ajayi made victory safe.
The situation surrounding the permanent managerial position at Manchester United remains fluid. While Carrick has impressed since taking the reins, other candidates have been linked with the role. Carlo Ancelotti, currently managing Brazil, has effectively ruled himself out of contention, stating he would only consider managing one European side in the future, though he did not specify which club. Thomas Tuchel has also committed his future to the England national team, signing a new contract that will keep him at the helm until the conclusion of Euro 2028.
Carrick himself has admitted he feels “at home” in the dugout, opening the door to a long-term role with the club. He emphasized that his focus remains on improving the team and securing a strong finish to the season, regardless of whether that leads to a permanent appointment. “Nothing’s changed, to be honest,” he said. “I’m fully aware of the role I’m doing here and the responsibility I’ve got. We want to be successful, and I want the club to be successful beyond the end of the season—if that’s me, if that’s somebody else.”
With 12 Premier League games remaining, and crucial clashes against Chelsea and Liverpool looming, the next few months will be pivotal for Manchester United, both on and off the pitch. A strong finish could solidify Carrick’s position as a contender for the permanent job, while also boosting the club’s chances of attracting top talent in the summer transfer window.
