Manchester United’s Michael Carrick (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are on track to finish in the top four of the Premier League and return to the Champions League next season. The Red Devils secured all three points with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend, with Matheus Cunha’s goal before half-time sealing the away victory.
United have five games remaining, with three at Old Trafford, giving them a significant advantage as they aim to finish the season on a high. Next on the agenda is Monday night’s game against Brentford, with injured players given a chance to return after more than a week’s rest.
Manager Michael Carrick will be hoping to bring back some long-term absentees, including Patrick Dorg and Matthijs de Ligt, before the end of the season.
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Paying tribute to his team after the win over the Blues, the interim manager said: “Honestly, I give a lot of credit to the players and the coaches for putting together a plan and adapting over the last few days and making sure everyone is in good shape.”
“So there’s a lot to be proud of tonight. Sometimes we could have played a little bit better, but I thought it was a game where we needed a result, and in the end we found it.”
Express Sport has all the latest news from Old Trafford.
INEOS ordered to recall £72m of loans
INEOS have been instructed to bring back Rasmus Højlund after a productive loan spell at Napoli. The young Danish forward, signed from Atalanta for £72 million in 2023, has been active in Serie A this season.
The 23-year-old has contributed 19 goals this year and Napoli are obligated to sign him for around £38m if they qualify for the Champions League. Despite this, Ryan Giggs remains convinced United should offer Wylund a new opportunity at Old Trafford.
Asked which loanee he would prefer to make a full return, the former United man told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “Maybe Hojlund. I thought he was unlucky. He was the club’s only centre-forward.”
Rasmus Hojlund made a good impression at Napoli. (Image: Getty Images)
“Everyone expected him to come in and do great. I think Sesco will get more chances and score more goals. But with two young, hungry centre-forwards up front, you never know if you’ll be asked to fight.
“That’s always been a strength at United. I think it’s harder in training than in games. If United’s centre-halves are marking Sesco at one end, it’s going to be a competitive game.”
Evra surprised by United star’s form
Patrice Evra is amazed at how extraordinary Matheus Cunha is at United. The Brazil international struck decisively on Saturday night and his only goal proved to be the difference at Stamford Bridge.
Cunha has scored 12 goals so far this season, and his celebration and dedication to the club has seen him quickly establish himself as a supporter’s favorite at Old Trafford. Appearing on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, the former United defender admitted he was surprised by Cunha’s creative influence within the team.
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Evra said: “I’m really surprised (with Cunha’s performance). Remember, we talked before he signed with Rio and he said that he thinks he’s also creating chances. In fact, he’s creating so many chances right now.”
Ferdinand has consistently defended the midfielder and revealed that he believes Cunha could be “unplayable” by the time he reaches his peak in October 2025.
Speaking after United’s win at Anfield, the former England international said: “I thought Cunha was a great player. As the game went on, especially when we needed someone to give us some time and really rest, he was that guy. I think he’s a great football player. I think once he gets into his full flow, he can be almost unplayable at times.”
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