Michael Carrick of Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United remain firmly on track for a Premier League top-four finish and a return to Champions League football next season. The Red Devils claimed all three points with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the weekend, with Matheus Cunha netting before half-time to seal the away win.
United have five fixtures remaining, with three at Old Trafford, giving them a considerable advantage as they look to finish the season strongly. Next on the agenda is a Monday night clash against Brentford, with over a week’s rest providing an opportunity for injured players to return to action.
Michael Carrick will be eager to welcome back several long-term absentees before the season draws to a close, among them Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt.
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Paying tribute to his squad following the victory over the Blues, the interim boss said: “[The] boys take so much credit for that and the coaches, to be honest, in terms of putting the plan together and adapting over the last couple of days and making sure everyone was in a good place.
“So there’s a lot of things to be proud of tonight. We can play a little bit better at times, but I thought it was a game for a result and in the end we managed to find it.”
Here, Express Sport has the latest news out of Old Trafford.
INEOS told to recall £72m loanee
INEOS have been instructed to reintegrate Rasmus Hojlund following his productive loan spell at Napoli. The young Danish forward, who was signed in 2023 for £72million from Atalanta, has been flourishing in Serie A this season.
The 23-year-old has registered 19 goal contributions this year, and Napoli have an obligation to purchase him for a sum of approximately £38m should they secure Champions League qualification. Nevertheless, Ryan Giggs remains convinced that United ought to offer Hojlund another opportunity at Old Trafford.
When questioned whether he would favour any of the loaned players returning permanently, the former United man stated on Rio Ferdinand Presents: “Maybe Hojlund, maybe. I thought he was unlucky; he was just the only centre forward at the club.
Rasmus Hojlund has impressed at Napoli. (Image: Getty Images)
“Everyone expected him to come in and do great. I think Sesko gets more chances and scores more goals. But you never know, if you’ve got two young, hungry centre forwards up front and say fight it out.
“You see, at United, that’s always been a strength. I say training is harder than the games, if you’ve United centre halves at one end marking Sesko, it’s going to be competitive.”
Evra surprised by United star’s form
Patrice Evra is taken aback by how exceptional Matheus Cunha has been for United. The Brazil international delivered the decisive strike on Saturday night, with his solitary goal proving the difference-maker at Stamford Bridge.
Cunha has registered 12 goal contributions thus far this campaign and has swiftly established himself as a supporters’ favourite at Old Trafford for his celebrations and devotion to the club. During an appearance on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, the former United defender confessed he was surprised by Cunha’s creative influence within the side.
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Evra said: “[Cunha] I’m really surprised by the way [he has done]. Remember, I talked with you, Rio, before he signed, and you said what you think is that he creates chance as well. Actually, he creates so many chances now.”
Ferdinand has consistently championed the midfielder, revealing back in October 2025 that he believes Cunha can be “unplayable” when operating at his peak.
Speaking following United’s victory at Anfield, the former England international said: “Cunha, I thought, was magnificent. I think as the game went on as well, especially when we needed someone to kind of give us a bit of time and really respite, he was that guy. I just think he’s a wonderful footballer. Once he gets into full flow, I think he’s going to be almost unplayable at times.”
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