The latest Manchester United news and headlines coming out of Old Trafford

Manchester United will be targeting a place in the Premier League’s top four as domestic football makes its return this weekend. Michael Carrick’s men won’t take to the pitch until Monday evening, when Leeds United make the trip to Old Trafford.

United have been in impressive form since Carrick assumed the reins, climbing the table and establishing themselves in third position. The club have also benefitted from a period of rest during the international break, alongside the FA Cup last weekend, affording them three weeks away from competitive football.

Following a mid-season training camp in Ireland during the week, United will be champing at the bit to return to Premier League duties with just seven fixtures remaining this campaign. A place in European football appears increasingly likely, while securing a permanent managerial appointment also sits high on the club’s agenda.

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Here, Manchester Evening News rounds up the latest emerging from Old Trafford.

Carrick’s rule switch works a treat

Carrick’s switch from the 3-5-2 formation deployed under Ruben Amorim to a 4-2-3-1 at United has worked wonders, according to Bruno Fernandes. The club captain has been pleasantly impressed by the interim boss’s tactical prowess since he took charge, having won seven of his 10 matches and lost just once.

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This shift to a revised formation, combined with the introduction of Kobbie Mainoo, has produced immediate dividends. Fernandes noted it has led the club to find the net more frequently, with United having scored 20 times under Carrick so far.

Speaking to Men in Blazers, he said: “Obviously, we have changed some things. He changed some players, changed some players’ positions, has tried a different formation, and at the end of the day, we have started to score goals. We were creating a lot.

“In terms of creation and chances of goals, we were there at the top when Ruben was here, but we were not finishing that. And then we were probably one of the best teams at not allowing the opposition into our box, but we would concede more goals.

“We started to be more compact when we defend, and realised we have moments when we have to suffer because we were not in an excellent moment, let’s say, so I think that sacrifice we made in the first few games… I wouldn’t say we were lucky, but it was good for us to have two big games straight away.

“Because if you win against City and then win against Arsenal at the Emirates, then we think it’s going to be fine, we’re playing good football now and we’re going to win. I think City was the game when we played the best. Against Arsenal, we made the most of it and found a way to win.

“Sometimes big clubs have to find a way to win games. Whether it’s pretty or not, you have to find a way to get results.”

Axed star opens up

Alejandro Garnacho has revealed he bears no ill feeling towards United following his departure from Manchester to join Chelsea over the summer. The Argentine starlet had been widely regarded as a rising talent at Old Trafford and appeared destined to become a firm fan favourite.

However, the 21-year-old ultimately made his way to Stamford Bridge, putting pen to paper on a seven-year contract with the Blues paying £40 million to his former club. Speaking about his transfer this week, Garnacho told Premier League Productions that he harbours no bitterness towards United and is content with life at Chelsea.

He said: “Yeah, at United have nothing wrong to say about the club or any teammates, no one. Just a moment on life changed. My life continued. So we have to keep looking forward.”

Reflecting on his stint at Chelsea so far, Garnacho added: “We know the team we have, the things we can do. Sometimes is better in some moments, and worse.

“But yeah, I’m really proud to be here in this moment. The life here [at Chelsea] is normal, and I’m happy.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.