Story byMorgan Gibbs-White: United preparing stunning summer raidThe Peoples PersonMon, January 19, 2026 at 5:30 AM UTC·3 min readThe Michael Carrick era began in glorious fashion, as Manchester United overpowered noisy neighbours Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday. What the new caretaker head coach got spot on was his tactics and his utilisation of the squad. For far too long under Ruben Amorim, round pegs have been shoved into square holes. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut not the legendary midfielder. He played players in their natural positions, as seen from Bruno Fernandes occupying the No.10 position behind the striker and playing a free role like he used to under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Portuguese was at the centre of everything good, and also picked up an assist for the first goal scored by Bryan Mbeumo. Creative spark neededDespite the stunning return to form, the club captain is reportedly open to leaving in the summer, having grown disillusioned with the owners and the project. INEOS were said to be open to his departure last summer as well, and there is plenty of interest from both within Europe and the Saudi Pro League. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut if the Portugal international leaves, the Red Devils will need an incredible signing to offset the loss.