📅 May 22, 2026

Carrick Made Permanent as United Bid Farewell to Casemiro

Carrick signs through 2028

United confirmed Michael Carrick as permanent head coach on May 22, on a contract through 2028 with an option for a further year, after winning 11 of his 16 matches since taking interim charge in January following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. “From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United,” Carrick said. “Now it’s time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose.”

Casemiro’s Old Trafford farewell

United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford on May 17 in what turned out to be Casemiro’s final home appearance before his contract expired, with the win also clinching third place with a game to spare. The Brazilian, who joined from Real Madrid in 2022, made 159 appearances and scored 26 goals for the club, including an FA Cup win in 2024 and a Europa League final appearance in 2025. Emotional scenes at the final whistle from a fan base that has plenty to thank him for.

Season closes with a win at Brighton

The Premier League season wrapped up on May 24 with a 3-0 win away at Brighton, sealing third place on 71 points and Champions League qualification alongside Arsenal (champions), Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Liverpool. A season that started under a different manager entirely ends with United back among Europe’s elite.

Rashford transfer saga heats up

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, made an offer to sign Marcus Rashford around May 22, as Barcelona hesitated over triggering his roughly €30m buy option from his loan deal. This was despite Rashford reportedly being willing to take a pay cut to make a permanent Barcelona move work. United’s stance was reported as wanting the full fee, with no appetite for extending the loan further.

Bayindir signals he wants out

Around May 21, reports indicated Altay Bayindir sent a clear message to the club’s hierarchy that he wants a move away in search of regular first-team football, after three seasons largely spent as understudy at Old Trafford.

Bruno named Portugal vice-captain

Bruno Fernandes was named in Roberto Martínez’s 26-man Portugal squad as vice-captain on May 19, heading into the World Cup off the back of a Premier League-record 21 assists and having been voted FWA Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season for 2025/26. Massive summer ahead for our captain.