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MUFC Daily: Carrick on Cunha, Mainoo & Liverpool
Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Old Trafford (kick-off 15:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
The squad is in "good shape" going into the final four fixtures of the season. He is "hopeful" Matheus Cunha and Luke Shaw could feature in the matchday squad, but Matthijs de Ligt is "a bit further away" from returning.
He has been "hugely impressed" with 21-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who signed a new five-year deal earlier this week: "I've known him for quite some time, in different capacities. He epitomises this football club. He lives and breathes the club and he has come through with real talent. The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract, so everyone is over the moon."
When asked about the first conversation he had with the out-of-favour academy graduate on his return to the club, Carrick said: "I wanted to understand what life had looked like for him over the past two or three years - the ups and downs, plus the challenging times. It was about letting him thrive and giving him the platform to be himself. He has evolved from that."
Casemiro's longevity has been down to "hard work and sacrifice". On the 34-year-old, he said: "When you cross the 30-mark, it's about trusting the player to know themselves. We're trying to play to his strengths now, if anything, and we have real trust in his experience. He knows what he's good at and what he can bring to this team."
It is a "privilege" to take charge of a game against long-standing rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. However, Carrick didn't say if he was hoping it would be the first of many for him in the dugout, instead adding that the opportunity is a "special" one.
He added: "It is a standout game, without a doubt. There are obviously rivalries that we have with other teams, but this one is right up there because of the history, the ups and downs, the entertainment and the emotions. Even league position has never changed the emotion for the players or the supporters, so I really appreciate what it means to them."
On the opportunity to finish above Liverpool this season: "That shows the improvement of this group. We have been getting stronger and we are coming into this game in such a good position. I'm fully aware of how close things are between us, but that isn't something we are focusing on."
Liverpool are a "good team with good players, who won the league last year", so Sunday's fixture will be "a whole different ball game" for his players.
Manchester United are on the brink of securing European football for next season, so the aim should now be to "keep evolving" season on season: "We want to be a successful team that wins trophies again. That has to be the aim. It isn't going to be easy or straightforward, but it has to be the challenge. We want to be competing for the biggest trophies. We've done it in the past and we need to be doing it again."
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On this week's episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast, Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath were joined by BBC Sport's Simon Stone, with discussion surrounding Manchester United's game against Liverpool on Sunday and Michael Carrick's future.
If Liverpool win, they will go third and above United on goal difference. The Red Devils will be looking to do the league double, having won 2-1 at Anfield earlier this season.
McGrath said: "If Manchester United put on an excellent display against Liverpool, secure Champions League football at home at Old Trafford, in a big game like this, it might get Michael Carrick over the line."
"If United beat Liverpool, in any shape or fashion, give him the contract," Drinkwater replied.
Stone added: "United have got a good chance. I don't necessarily buy into the idea of United having to win to give Carrick the job. His credentials have improved. I'm scarred by the 5-0 defeat under Ole Gunnar Solskajer - he survived.
"There's been some bad days against Liverpool, and this is a chance to do the double over them, because Ruben Amorim won at Anfield."
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The latest Manchester People podcast from BBC Radio Manchester features former United defender Gary Neville.
Neville reflects on his upbringing as a supporter and his role in the legendary Treble season of 1998-99.
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Manchester United are interested in West Ham's El Hadji Malick Diouf, with the 21-year-old Senegal international providing competition for Luke Shaw at left-back. (Guardian, external)
An unnamed Italian club has made initial enquiries over a potential move for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who is out of contract this summer. (Sky Sports, external)
Beth Tucker
Fan contributor
Manchester United supporter Beth Tucker reflects on United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo signing a new long-term deal with the club.
"Kobbie Mainoo has just signed a long-term deal at Manchester United until 2031 and this has been a long time coming.
"I am so happy. I can't stop smiling about it. One of our own, an extremely, extremely talented player and I'm even more happy about this because it could have gone the other way.
"In a different universe, if Ruben Amorim was still Manchester United manager, if that Leeds press conference doesn't happen where Amorim comes out, all guns blazing, fractures his relationship with Jason Wilcox [United's director of football], fractures his relationship with the Manchester United hierarchy and then subsequently ends up departing Manchester United - Kobbie Mainoo could be playing in Naples.
"He could have been playing for Napoli. That was a move that was seriously on the cards because he couldn't get the game time under Ruben Amorim. He could have been playing for Chelsea and we could have had Conor Gallagher playing in our midfield.
"The fact we've managed to keep one of our own that is already super-talented, already having the experience of playing on the world's biggest stage, whether that be in an FA Cup final against Manchester City - a very good Manchester City side - bossing the midfield over the likes of Rodri, scoring the match-winning goal and winning man of the match or getting yourself into an England starting 11 in a major tournament.
I think doing all that at his age and then having a setback of being out of the Manchester United side and having to come through that and now he's thriving, you've seen that best form again.
"I think that sets him up for such a good career, especially with the attributes he already has. That close control he has, that coolness, that calmness.
"I really think the sky's the limit for him. He's still got levels to go up, he's not the finished article, but Mainoo signing until 2031 - I'm so happy about it. I think he's going to be a pivotal player in Manchester United's success to come in the future hopefully."
Find more from Beth Tucker at The United Stand, external
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesMatheus Cunha has been pictured by Manchester United amid the preparations for Sunday's Premier League encounter with Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Cunha missed Monday's win over Brentford with what Michael Carrick said was a minor injury and that seems to be the case, given the Brazilian played a full part in Thursday's session, according to the club.
The Brazilian had started 10 successive games under Carrick prior to the Brentford game and his availability would be welcome ahead of one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the season.
Carrick's side need two points from their final four games to secure a return to the Champions League next season after a two-year absence, although if Brighton and Bournemouth fail to win their respective games over the weekend, qualification will be assured.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Kobbie Mainoo, who has signed a new deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2031.
Here are some of your comments:
Graham: This is the news that every Manchester United fan wanted to hear. Kobbie will lead the midfield fight for years to come. The next piece of news we need to hear is that Michael Carrick has been given the manager's job. Happy times ahead.
Trevor: Very good footballer. I'm glad he signed, but let's hope after signing the big contract he doesn't follow in the footsteps of others and we don't see the level of his performances drop!
Sandra: This is the young talent Manchester United should be nurturing for the here and now and the future. To think we could have lost him due to previous bad management!
Colin: Great to see a Mancunian stay at United - pretty rare to see a Manchester connection nowadays!
Adam: Absolutely brilliant news. Almost hard to believe that Ruben Amorim couldn't see Mainoo's obvious talent and potential.
Christine: Mainoo has been excellent since he has been playing in the first team and he deserves a new contract on better terms. I hope that this does not stop United making a move for another midfielder that gives competition for places. I don't know what the reasons were why Amorim didn't rate Mainoo, but competition is going to be important after a World Cup year.
Paul: A no-brainer. He's one of the best players at the club. It would have been gross mismanagement by the board to let him go.
Image source, Getty ImagesSo, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has ended months of uncertainty and speculation over his future by signing a new deal to keep him at Old Trafford until 2031.
21-year-old Mainoo joined the club's world-renowned academy in 2014, having been associated with Manchester United since the age of six.
He has already made 98 appearances for the club, scoring the decisive goal in the 2024 FA Cup final and representing England in the Euro 2024 final.
"Manchester United has always been my home; this special club means everything to my family," Mainoo told club media his new deal.
"I have grown up seeing the impact that our club has on our city, and I relish the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
"We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead."
How do you feel about Mainoo's new deal? What are you views on his career so far? And what role will he play in the future of the club?
George Booth
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesIt has been a season of ups and downs for Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, Sunday's Premier League meeting (15:30 BST) at Old Trafford will undoubtedly offer both sides an opportunity to claim third position in the league table come the end of the campaign.
Earlier in the season a Bruno Fernandes assist and a Harry Maguire header secured United's first win at Anfield in nearly a decade, a victory which put them ninth in the league table after eight games.
Now Michael Carrick's Red Devils have the opportunity to secure their first league double over rivals Liverpool since the 2015-16 campaign.
Carrick watched United complete their last double over the Reds standing with the United faithful in the lower tier of Anfield Road as he recovered from an injury.
Since Carrick's first Premier League game in charge this season, United have won more points than any other side (29). Carrick's nine wins in 13 matches (D2 L2) are already more than Ruben Amorim won in his 20 games in 2025-26 (W8 D7 L5).
And still the 44-year-old interim manager's future is unknown.
The last time Carrick faced Liverpool in his playing days, he was an unused substitute for Jose Mourinho's team in a 2-1 victory.
Carrick will again watch from the sidelines, but this time the stakes are even higher as he looks to secure his future at Old Trafford.
Fortunately for United fans, the 'Egyptian King's' Liverpool career is coming to an end, but it's worth a reminder that Mohamed Salah has scored more goals against the Red Devils both overall (13) and away from home (seven) than any other player in Premier League history. Though, his current injury may prevent him adding to those tallies.
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesWe were asked whether Tottenham's potential relegation this season will be viewed as being as equally surprising as Manchester United's relegation in 1974, via our Ask about Manchester United form.
United's relegation was a huge shock, there is no escaping that.
They were the best-supported club in terms of average attendance. They had won the European Cup six years earlier after being crowned league champions 12 months before that.
The issue had clearly been one of decline and the inability to arrest the slide.
United came straight back up and finished third in their first season back in the top flight. They also reached the FA Cup final in that season, with the defeat by Southampton still regarded as one of the biggest cup final shocks.
What makes the Tottenham situation more shocking is that the financial model of the English league has changed dramatically since 1974.
Clubs keep their own gate receipts, agree massive commercial deals and pocket huge amounts of TV money now.
Tottenham would have been in the European Super League, if it had taken off. They were in the Champions League final themselves seven years ago.
So, in theory, it should be impossible to be where they are right now.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
Manchester United could turn to Portuguese winger Rafael Leao, in the summer, with AC Milan open to exploring a swap deal involving England forward Marcus Rashford, Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte or Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee. (La Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external.
The Red Devils do not want to get into a bidding war for Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23, who is also a target for Manchester City, and could turn to other targets such as Brighton's Cameroon international Carlos Baleba. (ESPN)
Captain Bruno Fernandes, 31, has a £57m release clause in his contract, but the club are confident that securing Champions League qualification will be enough to persuade the Portugal midfielder to stay. (Mirror, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether Michael Carrick is the right person to lead Manchester United next season after Champions League qualification was all but confirmed by win over Brentford.
Here are some of your comments:
Chris: So, the defence has been torn apart by injury and suspension. He and the coaching staff have still motivated what players are available to be on the brink of Champions League qualification. From where they were to where they are now is a job well done. When they are qualified, he and the coaching staff will have done what they were brought in to do, probably against expectations. Give them 12 months again, and some players, see where we go.
Andrew: Carrick's style is very similar to Solskjaer, and that didn't end well. As much as I want him to succeed, I fear it will be the same.
Doc: This team is a patchwork quilt from previous managers. Give Carrick credit for instilling confidence in this team. Those who were on the sidelines and ignored have come into the team, reacted and made a difference. A lot to do yet, so do not expect miracles, but we have a manager who has the right DNA, even if the owners don't. He needs to rebuild and be supported in doing so.
Kevin: Give him a one-year contract with a possible extension if he does well, but for heaven's sake, support him by buying some more players. Injuries, suspensions, and the age of the team make substitutions difficult and show up the lack of squad depth.
Keith: This honeymoon won't last. This is a huge decision. Why pick Carrick? I believe it will go wrong quickly and we will be back to square one.
Gordon: Why is there always someone calling into question what Carrick has achieved? He's done everything that has been asked of him and more. He has to be given the opportunity of the job on a permanent basis. Once new midfielders have been signed in the summer, who knows what is possible? If it doesn't work out for him then so be it, a more experienced manager can be appointed at a later date. Has everyone forgotten how awful things were under Amorim and look where we are now!
Adam: There is no question Carrick has done the club proud, achieving results and league position and should be commended for that. We have been here before with club legends and results. United should be appointing the best in class at the time. Four months ago, Carrick wasn't even an option, never mind the frontrunner.
Steve: Those first two or three games (Arsenal and Man City), it was whoaaa!! But since then, every team we've beaten could so easily have beaten us. Luck has been on his side in my opinion. I think he's a good coach and players link, but not an authority needed for Man Utd. If they appoint him, he'll be gone before the end of the 26-27 season with a cracking payout.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThere was a flurry of noise around Kobbie Mainoo yesterday in the wake of Manchester United's victory over Brentford.
Michael Carrick claimed Mainoo's performance in the victory at Chelsea on 18 April was the midfielder's best since he took charge in January, when the 21-year-old returned to the United starting line-up.
If anything, Mainoo exceeded that against Brentford. His mazy dribble in the opening minutes was one of the stand-out moments from an outstanding game and should have been rewarded with a goal from Amad Diallo.
Mainoo, who has made 98 senior appearances for Manchester United, has been in talks over a lucrative new contract extension since the turn of the year.
The negotiations have been heading in the right direction for some considerable time now and while sources stress while it is not done, it will be, with actually signing it one of the only remaining aspects.
It is expected to be a five-year deal, at a figure which would elevate Mainoo's status in Carrick's squad.
He had previously been on a contract agreed just before he broke into the first team.
Mainoo did not start a league game this season until Ruben Amorim left.
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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesJacob Devaney has started 11 games for St Mirren since he joined on loan from Manchester United in February
Manchester United under-21s coach Adam Lawrence has been talking about the plans for the club's younger players next season.
For a start, he has highlighted the potential for greater opportunities at senior level at the beginning of pre-season in July given the opening friendly against Wrexham – who might be a Premier League club by then – is on 18 July in Helsinki, the day before the World Cup final.
The Football League season starts three weeks after that though, so demands will intensify.
"Once you get past that bit (around pre-season) and closer to the start of the season proper, it will be looking at do we feel that a loan and senior football is the next step for certain individuals or do we feel their development is best kept within the building?" said Lawrence.
"That allows us to work closer with the player and have more control of their programme.
"When the players go out on loan, there's some really good lessons in terms of sometimes they might play, sometimes they might be out of the team, about being in a senior dressing room.
"There might be other players that we feel a longer period within the 21s or within the building, with exposure to the first team will help them."
United currently have a number of young players out on loan but not all have been as fortunate as Jacob Devaney, the young midfielder who is excelling at St Mirren.
Ethan Wheatley and Gabriele Biancheri have been in and out of the Bradford and Rotherham squads over the second half of the season and the same is also true of James Scanlon and Sekou Kone at Swindon and Swiss club Lausanne.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United's youngsters are chasing silverware on a couple of fronts.
At under-21 level, Adam Lawrence's side beat Sunderland on Sunday to secure a Premier League 2 play-off quarter-final trip to Crystal Palace.
Darren Fletcher's under-18 side may miss out on the Premier League North title to Manchester City, but they have a chance to avenge that in the FA Youth Cup final against their neighbours.
For United's players, these matches are huge and could have a significant impact on who gets an opportunity to play a meaningful role in the early part of pre-season and push their claims for more involvement at senior level.
So who will be knocking on the first-team door come July?
JJ Gabriel: The 15-year-old is a star of the under-18 team and also top scorer in the Premier League under-18 league. His speed and balance sets him apart from other talents at the same age. He is only lacking physical stature, which is another reason why his progress is being monitored so closely. He has trained regularly with the first team this season, and had rules around his age been different - he was 14 at the start of the season - he would almost certainly have been called up to the senior matchday squad before now.
Bendito Mantato: Despite being currently injured, he was one of the young players involved in what turned out to be Ruben Amorim's only pre-season tour as manager last summer. The 18-year-old was the only United player named in England's under-17 World Cup squad and he made his senior debut as a second-half substitute against Wolves at Old Trafford in December. A right-sided player, he has been used as a forward mainly but he is also capable of featuring at full-back.
Tyler Fletcher: The son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher. He seems to have nudged slightly ahead of twin brother Jack in the Old Trafford pecking order. An effective holding midfield player with excellent awareness and ability to provide cover in deeper positions. Given his senior debut by Michael Carrick in February, he has been on the first-team bench a further 11 times and seems certain to push on next season.
Tottenham have shown a "genuine interest" in signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, 28, if they avoid relegation amid reports Barcelona have doubt about making the England international's loan permanent. (Sport - in Spanish), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesBenjamin Sesko wants Michael Carrick to remain as Manchester United manager beyond the end of this season.
United's latest victory over Brentford leaves them needing two points from their remaining four games, starting against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, to seal a return to the Champions League.
Even that might not be required as Brighton and Bournemouth are the only two sides who can prevent it happening and they would need to win all four of their remaining games.
United's hierarchy is still to decide whether to give Carrick the job on a permanent basis.
Sesko feels it should happen.
"I've said this many times," said the Slovenia forward. "He's an amazing coach.
"He's brought different energy and also the way we're doing the training is unbelievable. I would like to have him here."
On Monday, Sesko took his personal goals tally to 10 in his debut Premier League campaign.
Eight of those, plus another in the FA Cup, have come since Ruben Amorim was sacked in January.
Few thought at that point United would secure a return to the Champions League after a two-match absence.
"We're in a good place," said Sesko. "It was difficult to get to this point after what we have been through but we have to keep it up.
"We're looking forward to the next game to try to secure the Champions League place."
