Michael Carrick is keen to take over the Manchester United job permanently and although the Red Devils are “very happy” with the Englishman, he is not their first choice.
Manchester United latest: Carrick’s future and Valeva agreement
Fabrizio Romano shared a big update on Manchester United’s summer plans this week, revealing they are still big fans of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleva.
Romano said the Seagulls star agreed personal terms to join Old Trafford last year and INEOS are expected to pursue him this time around, with United set to spend big on two new midfield players.
Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United set to sign new midfield duo this summer
The Red Devils will be very busy this summer.
The reporter also shared an update on the business situation, revealing that Carrick is gaining more support than ever for his attitude towards Carrington.
“The feeling inside United is that they are very happy, very happy with Michael Carrick, and even more so recently.
“It’s been a very good start, but in recent weeks Michael Carrick has looked very likely to be given a permanent job at Man United.”
However, the former Middlesbrough manager is not the ‘dream’ candidate of some board members, it is actually PSG manager Luis Enrique.
“One of the most highly regarded names, the ‘dream’ of a Manchester United board member would be Luis Enrique,” Romano said.
“But at the moment, my understanding is that an agreement between Enrique and PSG is very close. PSG have offered a new contract until 2030 with a significant increase in salary, and Enrique is really open to continuing together.”
“But reports from France in the last few days… nothing has been signed or completed yet.”
Luis Enrique’s career so far
team | year | Highlights/Main achievements |
|---|---|---|
Barcelona B | 2008-2011 | Promoted to 2nd division |
AS Roma | 2011-2012 | First senior club role |
Celta Vigo | 2013-2014 | Promoted to La Liga. europe league |
Barcelona | 2014-2017 | Achieved a historic treble in 2014-15. 9 trophies won in 3 seasons |
spain national team | 2018-2022 | Nations League final. Euro 2020 semi-finals |
P.S.G. | 2023-present | 2025 UCL title. Domestic Triple Crown 2023-24 and 2024-25 |
Luis Enrique’s playing style and philosophy
Under press | A high, aggressive press designed to win the ball high up the pitch and initiate quick transitions. |
transition | Sharp and direct movement from defense to attack – fast vertical play against slow build-up |
structure | Flexible formations (4-3-3, 4-4-2, 3-4-3). Adjust shape to suit available talent mid-season |
identity | Demands complete tactical discipline – publicly insists on complete control of the team (especially after Mbappé’s departure) |
Signing result | 5-0 vs Inter Milan, UCL Final 2025 — said to be one of the most potent finals in the tournament’s 70-year history |
Man United vs Brentford team news: De Ligt injury update
Matthijs de Ligt has been pictured training on the grass as the Manchester United defender ramps up his rehabilitation from a hip injury.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined since helping the Red Devils win 2-1 against Crystal Palace on November 30, but has made a strong start to a nightmare season.
De Ligt has not been able to feature in the squad since Michael Carrick took over, with United’s head coach admitting last month that there was no guarantee De Ligt would play again this season.
The United manager said the back problem was “proving difficult” for the Dutch international and he had to be patient and positive to overcome the injury.
De Ligt will be sidelined again for United’s game against Brentford on Monday, but the club have issued a positive update with a picture of De Ligt working under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.
