📅 July 24, 2026
Carrick’s Reds Building Momentum Into 2026/27
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Michael Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim back in January and immediately turned things around, dragging United from seventh place into a Champions League spot by the end of the season. That momentum has carried straight into pre-season, with a settled group building toward the new campaign under a manager who clearly has the dressing room believing again.
Pre-season: a shaky start, then a statement win
It hasn’t been perfect. United opened pre-season with a 1-0 defeat to Wrexham, but they responded in style, hammering Rosenborg 5-0 in Trondheim on July 26 with goals from Shea Lacey, Joshua Zirkzee, Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass, and Ethan Williams. Next up is a heavyweight test against AtlĂ©tico Madrid, before further friendlies against PSG, Leeds United, and AC Milan ahead of the Premier League opener.
Transfer business: two in, several big misses
United have added genuine quality this summer. Andrey Santos, the 22-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder, arrived from Chelsea for ÂŁ48m plus ÂŁ2m in add-ons. Belgium captain Youri Tielemans, 29, joined via a release clause from Aston Villa on July 14. It hasn’t all gone United’s way, though: a move for Atalanta’s Éderson broke down after his medical flagged a concern, United lost out on Elliot Anderson to Manchester City (ÂŁ116m), saw Mattheus Fernandes join Tottenham (ÂŁ85m), and watched Morgan Rogers head to Chelsea (ÂŁ117m). Real Madrid tied down AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni to a new deal at the time, closing that door for now. Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia are both expected to move on from the left side.
Injury list: mixed news across the squad
- Lisandro MartĂnez: knock from the World Cup final, expected fit for the opener, though recurring issues and one year left on his deal sparked talk of Spanish suitors.
- Mathijs de Ligt: recovering from back surgery, possible autumn return.
- Benjamin Sesko: back in training, building conditioning.
- Kobbie Mainoo: expected back for the Leeds friendly on August 12, not serious.
Marcus Rashford: staying put after all
Barcelona let their €30m purchase option lapse on June 15. With his wages making a move elsewhere difficult, Rashford looked set to stay at Old Trafford, with Carrick reportedly fully supportive.
The full picture: Manchester United transfers 2026: every signing, exit and target
Source: Manchester United — United’s summer transfers: ins and outs