Michael Carrick is keen to take over the Manchester United job permanently and the Red Devils are ‘very happy’ with the Englishman, but he is not their top candidate.
Man Utd latest: Carrick future, Baleba agreement
Fabrizio Romano shared a big update on Manchester United’s summer plans this week, revealing that they are still big fans of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The Seagulls star agreed personal terms on a move to Old Trafford last year, Romano says, and INEOS are expected to pursue him again this time around, with United set to spend big on two new midfield additions.
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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 managerial situation, revealing Carrick is winning even more favour than he already had with his attitude around Carrington.
“The feeling internally at United is that they are very happy – very happy – with Michael Carrick, recently even more.
“It started very well, but in recent weeks Michael Carrick is having serious serious possibilities to take the permanent job at Man United.”
However, the former Middlesbrough boss is not the ‘dream’ candidate of certain board members, and that is in fact PSG manager Luis Enrique.
“One of the most appreciated names, I would say a ‘dream’ of someone on the board at Manchester United would be Luis Enrique,” Romano said.
“But at the moment, my understanding, is the agreement between Enrique and PSG is getting really close. PSG offered a new deal until 2030 with a big increase in salary, and Enrique is really open to continuing together.
“But reports from France in the last few days… still nothing signed or completed.”
Luis Enrique’s career so far
Team
Years
Highlights/major achievements
Barcelona B
2008–2011
Promoted to Segunda División
AS Roma
2011–2012
First senior club role
Celta Vigo
2013–2014
Promoted to La Liga; Europa League
Barcelona
2014–2017
Historic treble 2014–15; 9 trophies in 3 seasons
Spain national team
2018–2022
Nations League final; Euro 2020 semi-final
PSG
2023–present
UCL title 2025; domestic treble 2023–24 & 2024–25
Luis Enrique’s playing style & philosophy
Pressing
High, aggressive press designed to win the ball high up the pitch and launch rapid transitions
Transitions
Incisive and direct from defence to attack — fast vertical play over slow build-up
Structure
Flexible formations (4-3-3, 4-4-2, 3-4-3); adapts shape to available personnel mid-season
Identity
Demands full tactical discipline — publicly insisted on total control of the squad (notably post-Mbappé departure)
Signature result
5–0 vs Inter Milan, UCL Final 2025 — described as one of the most dominant finals in the tournament’s 70-year history
Man Utd vs Brentford team news: De Ligt injury update
Matthijs de Ligt has been pictured training on grass as the Manchester United defender steps up his rehabilitation from a nagging back injury.
The 26-year-old made a strong start to what has turned into a nightmare season, having been sidelined since helping the Red Devils to a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on November 30.
De Ligt has been unable to make a squad since Michael Carrick took charge, with the United head coach admitting last month there was no guarantee that the defender would play again this campaign.
The United boss said a back issue was “proving difficult” for the Netherlands international, who was having to keep patient and positive as he attempted to overcome the injury.
De Ligt will again be absent when United host Brentford on Monday, but the club published a positive update showing pictures of him working under the supervision of club medical staff.