Manchester United

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The likelihood of Manchester United playing an overseas friendly at the beginning of April is receding.

With no European football this season, it had been expected the club would try to recoup some money by playing a midweek friendly.

The idea gathered momentum once United were knocked out of the FA Cup at the third round stage as it opened up three free weekends.

However, the first of those has now passed and while there remains a slim chance United could go somewhere immediately after the March international break as they have no game until 11 April, the window for arranging something is narrowing.

In addition, there are concerns about potential disruption to United's target of securing qualification for next season's Champions League, with fifth now virtually certain to be enough following the latest round of European fixtures.

"There is not a black and white answer with that one," said interim boss Michael Carrick. "We will make a call.

"It is not straightforward. It would depend on where the game is, what it is like, what time it is and when the fixtures fall."

United made around £8m from their two-match post-season tour of Asia in 2025.

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Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Carrick confirmed midfielder Mason Mount is "getting closer" to a return but they have had to be "patient" as they "don't want to push anything". Meanwhile, defender Matthijs de Ligt is "a bit behind" Mount in his recovery.

• On his reaction to part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's recent comments on immigration: "I think Sir Jim has made a statement, external and the club has made a statement, external on the back of it. For me to add to that is not my place. Enough has been said in that regard. I have been around this club for many years, we make a huge impact globally and we are responsible for that."

• He continued: "Throughout the years as a player, a member of staff, a supporter, we are really proud of the culture we have at the club and equality and diversity and respect for each other is something we look to carry forward every day."

• Asked about the impact this could have on the team, the United interim head coach responded: "We have got a really strong group, whether that is the players and the staff, and around the club, I think we are in constant communication anyway and speak to each other and help each other."

• He added: "Part of being at this club is we understand what it is like globally and the responsibilities we have. I can only speak from my experiences, I have been here for a long time with various managers, various staff, all backgrounds, different backgrounds and it is something I am fully aware of. I am proud of what the club stands for."

• After their 2-2 draw with West Ham, Carrick said they need to be "balanced" and not get "carried away" whether they win or drop points, insisting it was an "important point for us" and "not all negative".

• On 13-day break since their last match: "We tried to make it useful, the break we had. When there is change [in manager] and the month we had together, it was important to have a couple of days to digest that... the fixtures have thrown up a mixture of gaps between games so it is just adjusting and adapting to that."

• With United and Carrick set to face former boss David Moyes at Everton, he knows it is "going to take a lot" as it is "hard to play against" Moyes teams, but he feels they have "a good base, foundation and spirit" to get something from the game.

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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It's just over a week since Sir Jim Ratcliffe came out with his claim that the United Kingdom had been "colonised by immigrants".

Ratcliffe offered a qualified apology amid the storm of protest at his comments, with United themselves issuing a statement highlighting the inclusivity work they are engaged in.

As United were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round by Brighton and are not in Europe this season, today is the first time Michael Carrick will sit in front of the media since then, and he is bound to be asked about it.

While many may feel it is not a subject for a football manager to discuss given they were Ratcliffe's personal views and Carrick's job is to win matches – United are at Everton on Monday – there is the issue of his squad, which comes from players from so many countries and differing backgrounds.

They have not always earned huge sums of money and I remember former winger Antony talking about growing up in acute poverty in Brazil, when he lived in a favela.

It is fair to think United's players have a view on Ratcliffe's comments and to ask Carrick about it.

Navigating through controversial subjects is standard for modern day elite managers and, as Jose Mourinho has experienced this week, it can lead to huge criticism.

We asked for your views on where Manchester United will be in five years' time after our fan vlogger Beth Tucker offered her predictions - which you can find lower down this page.

Here are some of your comments:

Andrew: This is a very difficult prediction only because of the ongoing reactionary decision making which has plagued United in recent years. There is a danger of the plans for the new stadium overshadowing the need for a clear development plan on the field. United have lurched from poor manager to poor manager and their recruitment of players and development of youth has been disappointing. I hope this changes. There was talk about DNA and the United way. This can only be achieved with someone who understands United and the rigour of the Premier League. I hope Carrick is given the job and Fletcher allowed to develop the youth team. Honestly, I don't mind if big money isn't available. I'd rather see youth team players brought in and a much better scouting system spotting raw talent in Europe and South America without spending over the odds. I hope there is less reliance on signing huge stars and not Afcon players because this competition is damaging to the Premier League. You can't have your best players missing for six weeks of the season. I can't see United challenging for the Premier League for many years to come unless radical change happens. Unfortunately, United have shown little in the way of vision or strategic thinking. I hope I am wrong.

Christine: United are are in the midst of a massive rebuild, and it's going to take a world class manager and at least three or four summer transfer windows to get anywhere near winning the Premier league or European Cup. I see United being back at the top of world football but a lot of hard work in getting there.

Sohail: Manchester United will be in the Champions League next season, but we need a top manager in the summer who will take us to the next level.

Chris: Man Utd will be in a new stadium and top of Premier League in 2031.

Alex: In five years time, United should regularly be getting into the top four, hopefully having more homegrown talent in the starting team and keeping a manager for more than a season.

Sai: Beth's spot on! United have got to sign the right players, rather than the Ugartes, Mounts and Zirkzees. But first thing first, United have got to bring in the right manager/coach who will play attacking football, substitute early based on on-the-pitch form and play a youthful team with lots of chances for academy lads. Elliot Anderson must be United's number one target for the summer to line up alongside Mainoo in the middle after the departure of Casemiro, Ugarte, Bruno, Mount and Zirkzee.

Fred: I see United playing in the Champions League, with a world-class squad competing for the title and possibly even Europe as well. Also, with (hopefully) new owners and a renovated Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick says leading Manchester United is his "ultimate" role and has vowed to look after the long-term future of the club despite his interim status.

Carrick has had a stellar start since taking over from the sacked Ruben Amorim, prompting inevitable questions about him becoming the club's permanent boss in the future.

In a special episode of The Football Interview for BBC Sounds, Carrick sat down with BBC Sport presenter Mark Chapman and said: "I love what I am doing. I feel privileged to be in the position I am. I said when I came in, there's the sentimental side of understanding the club but I am here to do a job and to make a good team and be successful. I don't decide how long that is gong to be but I love being here and while I am, I'll give everything I can and plan for the long-term future and benefit of the club. That's how I believe it should be.

"I know what really matters to the football club and the people around it. I just think it is what should be done in my position."

In an interview which discussed punditry, managing Middlesbrough and his approach to young players, Carrick discussed the reintroduction of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who had been largely frozen out by Amorim.

He added: "I have known Kobbie a long time. I think I started working with him when he was 13 or 14, when I started my coaching badges.

"Knowing him and having experience with him, and seeing him perform at such a level on such big occasions - to be able to cope - what he's done at such a young age is quite incredible. We forget how young he still is.

"I was a big fan of watching him play and what he was capable of. So it wasn't really a big decision to play him. It's not easy when you've not played to find your rhythm and form - he's come in and done fantastic. I have not had to help him an awful lot.

"I think he has shown he can do a bit of everything. He has been wih Casemiro a lot. He takes the ball everywhere, Kobbie. There are things he can improve on. But we haven't really got started on any of that as we have let him find his flow of playing again. I have been really conscious of not giving him a lot. A few pointers, positional things, but trust in what he is, a fantastic footballer with huge talent."

While shaping the club's future and giving youth a chance point back to the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Carrick also spoke about not being able to live up to the famous Scot's hairdryer treatment when anger takes hold.

"I'm not sure I could replicate that and I wouldn't try to," he joked. "A couple of times I've seen it and it puts you on the back of your seat."

Listen to The Football Interview

Beth Tucker
Fan contributor

The United Stand's Beth Tucker discusses where Manchester United could be in five years' time and whether the club could return to becoming serious challengers for the Premier League title.

Where will Manchester United be in 2031 - five years' time from now? Well, hopefully with a couple more trophies and in a better position, but could they be serious competitors for a Premier League title?

Look, a lot of people would say United are very far off winning the league as of now, and if you look at it, we haven't won the Premier League since 2013. That is a lot of years of no title wins. However, I am an optimistic Manchester United fan.

Something that could play into United's favour is the Premier League being more open and I do expect that to happen within the next five years and United need to capitalise on this. They've got to do it by signing the right players. It feels like for the past decade United have needed to sign a striker every single window, a winger every single window, a centre-back every single window, full-backs etc and it's because we've not signed correctly.

We've started doing so, though, recently and Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were massive steps in the right direction. Investing in potential like Leny Yoro and Benjamin Sesko for the future, you need that mix of Premier League experience players ready to go now alongside the potential. That's how you build a successful team, a team that still has leadership and experience but also has longevity.

But, I do think there will be a shake-up in the league and I do think it will give teams like Chelsea and Manchester United a real opportunity to have a crack at the title if they make the right decisions. Like we've seen at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp leaving has had a massive impact and I think Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City in this time.

Despite how well City are run, Guardiola leaving your football club is going to have a big, big impact and they might go through a transition period. Arsenal with Mikel Arteta - the nearly men - are they going to be able to keep going every single season?

So we have to get Champions League football this season. I think it's such a swinging doors moment for United. The right manager has to be brought in in the summer. Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, if he came in the summer, being alongside Kobbie Mainoo, I think could be transformative for our next few years.

There are a lot of things to get right but, if the right decisions are made, I do think the Premier League will be more open and there is scope for United to be successful in the next five years and, who knows, maybe they will compete for a title. Football can change very, very quickly, everyone.

Find more from Beth Tucker at The United Stand, external

United fans, where do you see the club in 2031? And what would need to happen over the next five years to get you there?

Let us know here.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are to provide free return coach travel from Manchester for fans attending the club's Premier League match at Bournemouth on Friday, 20 March.

Precise details are still to be determined and fans will be contacted about how to take advantage once they have been told if they have been successful in getting one of the 1,300 visiting allocation at Vitality Stadium.

United have already voiced their frustration with league officials at the number of times their games have been moved to Fridays or Mondays this season.

The club believe it is correct to offer a gesture of goodwill for what, in mileage terms, is their furthest away match - a round trip of 500 miles from Old Trafford.

Partly because of their early exit from the FA Cup and also the March international break, United are in a period where they play on just two weekend dates in eight weeks. They are yet to learn which of their matches after that will be moved for live TV coverage.

Their next game is at Everton on Monday night, another of the six weekend leagues games in 15 that has been moved to a Friday or a Monday.

There are no public transport options that would allows supporters to get back to the north-west after the Bournemouth game has finished.

Manchester United are interested in Chelsea striker Liam Delap, who is likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. Newcastle and Everton are also keen on the 23-year-old. (Caught Offside, external)

United are prepared to let winger Jadon Sancho leave for free at the end of the season. (Sun, external)

The Old Trafford side are regretting the price they agreed to sell Marcus Rashford to Barcelona for because they believe the forward is now worth about £50m. (Star, external)

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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United remain on course for a record 12th FA Youth Cup triumph after a comfortable 4-1 win at Oxford United to reach the quarter-finals.

Defender Albert Mills powered Darren Fletcher's side in front with an early header.

Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel doubled Manchester United's lead with a long-range finish before half-time.

Chido Obi scored a third early in the second half before substitute Noah Ajayi rounded off the scoring near the end.

Fletcher elected to drop back down to the under-18s, who he has coached since the start of the season, rather than remain part of the senior coaching team after Michael Carrick was installed as head coach for the remainder of the campaign.

The former Scotland midfielder had taken interim charge of the first team following Ruben Amorim's dismissal, and used the opportunity to bring Kobbie Mainoo back into the Manchester United starting line-up.

Mainoo was part of the club's last FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2022.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Marcus Rashford's future has been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Manchester United' form.

There is no clarity on Rashford's long-term future just yet.

However, as Barcelona have just lost the two games he has been injured for, it may start to focus minds at the Nou Camp.

On the face of it, the decision is an easy one.

They simply could not find a forward with so much experience and so much talent anywhere else for £28m, the buyout figure agreed in Rashford's summer loan deal.

There are complications though.

First, Barca's financial issues are well documented. For a player like Rashford, the fee is only part of the financial commitment. Even a two-year contract on the salary he was getting at Old Trafford would eclipse the fee, which United are not prepared to reduce.

It seems the 28-year-old is enjoying himself with the Catalan giants. He has scored 10 goals and forced his way back into the England squad. But 14 of his 34 appearances have come off the bench. Will that be enough?

Then there is United's view.

It might be some time before we find out who the club's manager will be next season. What will they think?

We do know Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to drive down the wage bill and when Casemiro leaves in the summer, Rashford will be one of the club's highest earners, regardless of the fact he won't have featured for them in 18 months.

With his contract not due to expire until 2028, would they try to reintegrate a player who had zero intention of returning to the club if Ruben Amorim remained in charge?

There is also the knowledge United could sell Rashford to a different club, where the £28m clause does not apply. That, however, would need the player's agreement.

A return to Barcelona remains the most likely outcome next season but, as it stands, no-one can be sure where Rashford will be once the World Cup is over.

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BBC Radio Manchester presenter Gaz Drinkwater is unclear on what role Joshua Zirkzee has to play at Manchester United.

Speaking on a new episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast by BBC Sounds, Drinkwater explained: "I struggle to see where Joshua Zirkzee fits into this United team.

"He's not good enough to start games.

"On the bench, the only situation I'd bring him on if if we're winning 1-0 and you need someone who is good with playing with the ball.

"Maybe it could work with fast wingers either side of him?

"I want my front man to have a lot more impetus to cause problems for defenders - and that's what [Benjamin] Sesko is."

The conversation continues on the Devils' Advocate, which you can listen to below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This has not been the best of seasons for Manchester United midfielder Sekou Kone.

The 20-year-old was hoping to kick on after making the United bench for three Premier League games over the second half of last season.

But it just has not happened.

Initially, Kone suffered concussion during a National League Cup tie at Tamworth in August that effectively ruled him out until the middle of November.

The Mali youth international started two Under-21 games in the space of four days in December but then headed to Lausanne, the Swiss club owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos Group, for a trial before eventually signing a loan deal before the February transfer deadline.

Unfortunately, Kone has made just one substitute appearance of 10 minutes from the three Swiss league games he has been on the bench for and will not be involved in the Conference League play-off with Czech Republic outfit Sigma Olomouc because he has not been registered for the remainder of the tournament. Playing in it was cited as one of the benefits of the move when United announced it on 3 February.

It is not clear why there has been such a major breakdown in communication over how Kone would be used but unless he returns to United – as happened with England Under-20 striker Ethan Wheatley last season when he failed to play during his loan at Walsall, it looks like being a very frustrating campaign for Kone.

Manchester United have no intention of lowering their £26m asking price for 28-year-old England forward Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona. (Mail), external

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On the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate, Gaz Drinkwater joins Joe McGath from Tenerife as they look ahead to Manchester United's first trip to Everton's new stadium and another meeting with former manager David Moyes.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

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Alex Turk
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

We are now seriously starting to feel the effects of Manchester United's recent failures, and it serves as a timely reminder of the importance of a strong end to the season.

A 13-day break between the 1-1 draw at West Ham and United's next game, Monday's trip to Everton, is unprecedented in February.

But that is the result of no European football to enjoy during the weeks, thanks to a 15th-place finish and Europa League final defeat last season.

While other clubs continued their FA Cup adventures at the weekend, United fans were forced to do other things with their lives.

If there was any season to go on a cup run, it was this one. Yet, we watched first-hurdle exits against League Two Grimsby Town and crisis club Brighton in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup respectively.

The worst part is that this prolonged absence from watching Michael Carrick's resurgent Red Devils is only just the beginning.

There will be 11 days between the 4 March match up at Newcastle United and the crunch clash against Aston Villa on 15 March.

There will be at 21 days between the 20 March visit to Bournemouth and hosting Leeds United at Old Trafford on the weekend commencing 11 April.

The breaks might be welcome for some players vying to stay fit for the summer's World Cup after the frantic schedule of recent years.

However, this is not a schedule United can get used to. It has only emphasised the fact that anything other than a return to Europe next season would be catastrophic.

Carrick's side are in a good position, sitting in fourth with 12 games to go and five Champions League places for England all but confirmed

But Chelsea and Liverpool, both strongly tipped to finish higher at the dawn of the campaign, are trailing by one and three points respectively.

Nobody show Roy Keane this acceptance of a drop in standards, but even if United slip into the Europa League spots, it would be a successful season.

Any European commitments would be a success compared to this.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

Manchester United are considering a move to sign Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, 27, from Liverpool, with the World Cup winner potentially set to leave Anfield this summer. (Star), external

Meanwhile, United will continue to monitor Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney before the summer transfer window, with Leeds, Tottenham and Everton also interested in the 23-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

Finally, Manchester United have denied making contact with Jurgen Klopp's agent after he said the club made an enquiry about the former Liverpool manager taking over at Old Trafford. (Sky Sports), external

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Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in bringing AC Milan and United States forward Christian Pulisic, 27, back to the Premier League, with Tottenham also in the mix. The former Chelsea man would be available for 70m-80m euros (£61m-£70m). (Caught Offside), external

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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's youth coaches are working with 18-year-old striker Chido Obi to develop his game.

The Denmark Under-21 forward made eight appearances for United's senior side under Ruben Amorim last season but has not been called into a single first team squad this season.

Rather than a sign of regression, influential figures at United feel it is a natural part of Chido's progress given his size has previously been such an advantage.

The striker scored in United's excellent 3-1 Premier League Under-18 win at Manchester City on Saturday, but more notable was his all-round game, including a willingness to get involved in the defensive side of the game.

United feel any assessment of the player has to take his age into account as, given his exposure last season, it is easy to think Chido is older than he is.

The forward is set to keep his place for Wednesday's FA Youth Cup last-16 tie at Oxford, when midfielder Jim Thwaites, who scored United's third in a game 15-year-old JJ Gabriel opened the scoring in, could start after returning from injury with two outings as a substitute.

Paris St-Germain are prepared to rival Premier League clubs Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham with a £100m bid for Brighton's 22-year-old Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among the Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on Club Brugge and Serbia midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, 20. (Teamtalk), external

United are increasingly confident England defender Harry Maguire, 32, will extend his Old Trafford contract beyond the end of this season. (Teamtalk), external

United are expected to send club representatives to watch Juventus' 25-year-old France defender Pierre Kalulu when his side face Inter Milan on Saturday. (Tuttosport - in Italian), external

Manchester United are tracking Gambia and Tromso defender Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh, 19, and Valencia's Spanish centre-back Hugo Fernandez, 18. (Mail - subscription required), external

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