Manchester United qualifying for the Champions League would have been unthinkable at the start of the season. Under coach Ruben Amorim, they spent more time looking down than up, and the atmosphere around the three-time European champions was one of despair.
Another new year has brought a fresh start, but unlike previous false dawns, Michael Carrick’s interim assignment was nothing short of a masterclass. Indeed, United have benefited from focusing solely on the Premier League, missing out on European football last year and losing both domestic cup competitions before Carrick’s arrival.
However, the Englishman still managed to get United back into Europe’s top table and did so with plenty of comfort. It remains to be seen whether it’s enough to earn him the job full-time, but the Red Devils have set themselves up well for what looks like a big summer in the transfer window.
It is estimated that the Old Trafford-based side could earn United a £100m windfall by qualifying for the Champions League. Rumor has it that United have shortlisted nine players ahead of the summer transfer window, with central midfield and centre-back reinforcements being top priorities.
But in order to spend money, you also need to sell. With a top-five finish secured, Carrick shuffled his squad for the weekend’s draw with Sunderland, giving several of United’s bit players starting spots. Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount were among them, and it’s safe to say they were more than happy to deceive during the scoreless draw.
Zirksee, who joined United from Bologna in 2024, has struggled to make an impact since joining, and has been linked with a departure in each of the past two transfer windows. Zirksee was so keen to compete for a place in the starting XI that it ultimately didn’t happen, but this summer appears to be the final straw for the Dutch international.
In contrast, while Mount has impressed at times, his problems have been related to his responsiveness. The Englishman has missed just under a quarter of United’s Premier League games (nine) this season through injury and has therefore found it difficult to get playing time when he returns to the squad.
United paid a £55m fee for the midfielder in 2023, but he made just 70 competitive appearances over the next three seasons. It’s been a poor return and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Mount among the players let go by United this summer.
