Michael Carrick Navigates Critical Week for Manchester United

LIVERPOOL (Azat TV) – Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick faces a pivotal week, highlighted by a crucial Premier League clash against Everton on Monday, February 23, 2026, which could propel the club into a coveted Champions League qualification spot. Carrick’s tenure, marked by a recent upturn in form, is under intense scrutiny as he navigates immediate on-field challenges, strategic long-term transfer planning, and a notable off-pitch dynamic involving co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial public statements.

United, currently in fifth place and tied on points with Chelsea, stands six points behind Aston Villa. A victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool would significantly bolster their chances for European football next season, a development that could directly influence Carrick’s prospects of securing the managerial role beyond his current deal, which expires this summer. Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim last month, has overseen a period of stability, with Manchester United securing four wins and one draw in their last five Premier League matches.

Man Utd’s Champions League Ambitions and Injury Updates

The upcoming fixture against Everton is not just another game; it is a direct challenge for a top-four finish, a target that seemed distant earlier in the season. Carrick’s squad arrives in Merseyside following a nearly two-week break from top-flight action, having last played a 1-1 draw against West Ham on February 10. The interim manager provided an update on the team’s fitness, confirming that key players Patrick Dorgu, Matthijs de Ligt, and Mason Mount are all expected to miss the Everton clash due to injury. De Ligt has been sidelined with a back injury since November, while Mount has missed the last three matches with a knock. Jack Grealish is also anticipated to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing foot surgery.

Despite these absences, Carrick is expected to field a strong lineup, likely featuring Senne Lammens in goal, a defensive line of Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw. The midfield is projected to include Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, with Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bryan Mbeumo supporting Matheus Cunha in attack, as reported by CBSSports.com.

Strategic Transfer Focus Amidst Market Shifts

Looking beyond the immediate match, Carrick has openly discussed the club’s critical need to replace defensive midfielder Casemiro, whose contract expires this summer. As a former midfielder himself, Carrick understands the pivotal role the position plays in ‘tying everything together’ and influencing the entire team, both emotionally and tactically. He emphasized Casemiro’s ‘big influence’ within the group, highlighting the importance of finding a suitable successor.

Potential targets for this crucial role reportedly include Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, according to Sports Illustrated FC. Fortunately for Manchester United, the transfer market trends suggest a cooling in the fervor for defensive midfielders. After peaking between 2022 and 2023, when United paid £70 million for Casemiro and record-breaking fees were seen for players like Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Declan Rice, average fees for central and defensive midfielders have seen a ‘retreat to normality.’ The average price of the 10 most expensive midfielders dropped from €64.4 million in 2023-24 to €40.9 million in 2025-26, as per data via Transfermarkt. This market shift, coupled with many rivals having already solidified their midfield options, could play into United’s hands, though Real Madrid remains a potential competitor.

Carrick’s Team Selection and Club Dynamics

Carrick’s arrival has brought stability, leading to consistent team selections. While beneficial for results, this approach has unfortunately reduced opportunities for promising young players. Young centre-backs Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, who joined United within six months of each other, have seen their game time severely limited. The switch from former manager Ruben Amorim’s back-three formation to Carrick’s preferred back-four means one less centre-back on the pitch. Coupled with an FA Cup loss that reduced the fixture list, Yoro has managed only 23 minutes since Carrick took charge, and Heaven just one minute, as reported by Red Devil Armada. Carrick has favored the experience of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, a pragmatic choice given United’s fight for Champions League football.

Off the pitch, Carrick has also addressed a more sensitive issue. He revealed that neither he nor his squad have received a personal apology or explanation from Sir Jim Ratcliffe following the co-owner’s controversial comments on February 11 regarding the United Kingdom being ‘colonised by immigrants.’ While Ratcliffe issued a public apology for offending some with his ‘choice of language,’ Carrick confirmed that this apology had not been extended privately to the diverse squad. Carrick, however, emphasized the team remains ‘definitely all pulling together,’ drawing on his own experiences as a young player at West Ham, where strong team cohesion was paramount.

The confluence of Manchester United’s immediate on-field aspirations and the complex internal dynamics of the club under Michael Carrick highlights the challenging, yet potentially transformative, period for the interim manager. His ability to secure a Champions League spot while navigating sensitive club issues and planning for crucial transfers will undoubtedly define his legacy and influence his future at Old Trafford.