Michael Carrick wants the top job at Manchester United – but knows his managerial future is bright whatever Old Trafford bosses decide to do

16:00, 02 Mar 2026

Michael Carrick can look forward to this summer with a combination of curiosity and excitement.

Because whatever happens, it will be one which will finish with him feeling like a winner. The ideal scenario for Carrick would be for him to be handed the Manchester United job on a permanent basis.

And it’s becoming impossible to imagine why he won’t. Instead of looking for alternative options to Carrick, United’s co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers should find themselves struggling to find reasons not to give him the job full-time.

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Somehow he has engineered six wins from seven games in an unbeaten run since replacing the sacked Ruben Amorim. United have now leapfrogged a team who were in the title race a few weeks ago (Aston Villa), and seem destined for a return to the Champions League.

But Carrick is not stupid. He’s intelligent enough to appreciate he works for United. A club which has excelled in making the wrong decisions in recent times. Carrick would regard getting the job as the ultimate honour. But his ambitions are not restricted to just chucking his eggs in one basket.

And if he continues to impress at the rate he has done, his stock will have never been higher come the end of the season. At a time when numerous clubs will be looking for new managers. Tottenham for starters, his former club, and one which might well find themselves in the Championship ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Who better to guide them back to the top flight, should the worst happen, than Carrick, who threatened to get Middlesbrough promoted to the Premier League during his time on Teeside?

Crystal Palace are also on the hunt for Oliver Glasner’s replacement, while the chances are Nottingham Forest and West Ham will also have vacancies.

If United make the nonsensical decision they don’t want Carrick, then many others will. Because if he can succeed in one of the most demanding jobs in sport, albeit for just a few weeks, then he can certainly do the same at those clubs mentioned above.

And wouldn’t it be fitting for United to sit there and watch Carrick excel elsewhere, wondering how they let it happen? Perhaps it might make sense for United to commit long term to Carrick sinner rather than later. Before someone else tries to do just this.

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s return to Old Trafford was a triumphant one for two reasons

Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s reputation at Manchester United was obvious by the reaction he received from some of his former team-mates.

In his first time playing at Old Trafford last May since leaving the club to sign for West Ham in 2024, the right-back enjoyed a triumphant return to his former stomping grounds. The Hammers earned a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen.

The 28-year-old provided the assist for the West Ham captain’s goal and was subject to praise for his performance for the club’s first victory in nine games. Wan Bissaka – who spent five years at United – took to Instagram after the win where he posted photos from before and during the match.

His caption read: “Big W. Thanks for the warm reception today OT.” The post was popular among several of his former team-mates with six current United players, at the time, liking the post.

Current stars such as Lisandro Martinez and Goodwill Kukoni were among that group while the likes of Antony, Marcus Rashford, Andre Onana and Alejandro Garnacho also liked the defender’s post.

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Former United players David De Gea, Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, Alvaro Carreras, Sofyan Amrabat, Brandon Williams and Shola Shoretire also reacted to the post. West Ham finished 14th in Wan-Bissaka’s first season and then-Hammers boss Graham Potter claimed the DR Congo international was playing the best football of his career.

“He’s been really impressive,” the Englishman said. “As I’ve said before, I can’t say this categorically because I don’t know Aaron’s career, but I can’t imagine he’s played as well [before] as he has for us at this point in his career.

“He looks like he’s enjoying his football. He gives a lot to the team, really pleased with what he’s giving to the team offensively and defensively. As I said, it looks like he’s enjoying his football.

“And that’s not easy because the results we’ve had haven’t been that enjoyable. But nevertheless, his individual performances have been strong.” In his five-year stint at Old Trafford, Wan Bissaka played 190 times for United, scoring two goals and providing 13 assists.

While the full-back will be in action on Saturday with West Ham taking on Liverpool at Anfield, two of his former clubs will clash on Sunday with United hosting Crystal Palace.

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Michael Carrick’s side will have the opportunity to strengthen their case for Champions League qualification which was bolstered by their narrow 1-0 away win at Everton on Monday. Benjamin Sesko’s winning goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium marked the striker’s fifth goal in his last seven league games.

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Manchester City were handed a major boost in midweek after Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Manchester City’s bid to reclaim their Premier League title was boosted on Wednesday night thanks to relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers. Arsenal were 2-0 up but a late fightback from Rob Edwards’ side rescued a point and gave City renewed confidence.

If City beat Newcastle United on Saturday evening, they will move to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. With Mikel Arteta’s side looking over their shoulders, it’s all to play for in the Premier League run-in.

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MEN Sport has picked out seven matches for City and Arsenal that could settle the title race.

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Man City vs Newcastle United – February 21

If City can find a win on Saturday, the title race will swing in their favour.

Newcastle have found the Etihad Stadium a tough place to visit and they won’t be looking forward to this game after a long trip to Qarabag on Wednesday. Should City win, they will crank the pressure up on Arsenal even more.

Tottenham vs Arsenal – February 22

After the setback at Wolves, the north London derby could be season-defining for Arsenal. Assuming City beat Newcastle, the pressure will be on the Gunners to restore their five-point advantage.

Spurs will be confident of upsetting their fierce rivals with new interim head coach Igor Tudor in the dugout for the first time. The mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should be positive compared to under Thomas Frank and if Arsenal are still suffering a hangover from Wednesday night, they could be tripped up.

Arsenal vs Chelsea – March 1

A double whammy for Arsenal as they follow up the north London derby with a visit from Chelsea. Their head coach Liam Rosenior earned no praise for his approach on their last visit to the Emirates Stadium.

But Chelsea’s ‘negative’ style saw Arsenal struggle to break them down. Only when Chelsea opened up did the Gunners score.

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There is every chance Rosenior looks to copy that tactic when they meet again in the Premier League. City will be hoping Chelsea’s defensive approach will frustrate Arsenal enough for them to drop points.

Chelsea vs Man City – April 11 (Date TBC)

City have not lost at Stamford Bridge since April 2021 but while their recent form against Chelsea is good, they will be wary. In the reverse fixture, Chelsea nicked a point at the death to frustrate the Blues.

At home, Chelsea will be expected to be more offensive – this should play into City’s hands. There has been audible frustration from the fans when Chelsea have struggled under Rosenior.

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The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.

The Blues will hope they can utilise this, turn the home fans against their team early and make it tricky for Chelsea.

Man City vs Arsenal – April 18 (Date TBC)

No surprise to see this one on the list. This game will give a huge indication as to which way the title is heading.

As things stand, the onus will be on City to take the game to Arsenal and that will be to Arteta’s benefit. However, if the gap is two points or the Blues are leading the way by the time they meet, the game has a different complexion.

Pep Guardiola will be confident his team can pick up the win if they are in striking distance of Arsenal. It should be a day when the Etihad Stadium is at its best.

Man City vs Aston Villa and Crystal Palace vs Arsenal – May 24

With the way the season is going, the title race could go down to the final day. City hold good memories of beating Villa on the final day to win a league title and it is that experience Guardiola will be leaning on if they need it.

Villa will be a tougher opponent considering their league position. But there is a good chance their season will be over should Champions League qualification already be secured.

As for Arsenal, the trip to Palace is not straightforward but they do have a good record there. It will be Oliver Glasner’s last game as manager at Selhurst Park, meaning the hosts will be up for it.

But whoever is top heading into the final day will be expected to complete the job.