📅 July 24, 2026

Carrick’s Reds Building Momentum Into 2026/27

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 Atlético 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 £48m plus £2m 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 (£116m), saw Mattheus Fernandes join Tottenham (£85m), and watched Morgan Rogers head to Chelsea (£117m). Real Madrid tied down Aurélien Tchouaméni 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 Martínez: 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.