Manchester United’s free schedule this week has benefitted some of their key stars
Michael Carrick’s influence at Manchester United has been heavily felt(Image: Getty Images)
A near two-week break without a game is not a normal occurrence for Manchester United. But that’s the reality for the Premier League giants following exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and the absence of European football.
Despite the club almost certainly ending the season without silverware, supporters are in high spirits thanks to the dramatic shift in performances and results under Michael Carrick since his appointment last month.
Leading his former side to four straight wins, including victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, their winning run ended in the 1-1 draw to West Ham but the point kept them in fourth place.
The break has allowed for the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount to build up fitness upon their return from injuries to further boost United’s chase for Champions League qualification. Mirror Football takes a look at Carrick’s latest stamp of his authority and United’s reported shock transfer plans.
Carrick scraps Amorim rule
Michael Carrick has gotten rid of one of Ruben Amorim’s key rules(Image: Getty Images)
The morale at Old Trafford has dramatically risen since Carrick’s appointment last month. The Englishman has led the club to four wins out of five and his influence has been felt by the players both on and off the pitch thanks to seemingly scrapping a rule brought in by Ruben Amorim.
During the Portuguese manager’s reign at United, he banned mid-season breaks following the criticism Marcus Rashford and Casemiro endured for flying out to the United States during an international window.
READ MORE: Michael Carrick scraps Ruben Amorim rule – and Man Utd duo take instant advantageREAD MORE: Man Utd consider shock Alexis Mac Allister transfer raid on fierce rivals Liverpool
However, Carrick has lifted his rule with Bruno Fernandes and Senne Lammens both utilising the freedom. Given United’s early elimination from the FA Cup, the club are in the midst of a 13-day break with their next match on February 23 against Everton.
The lengthy period without a game allowed Lammens to return to former club Royal Antwerp over the weekend, with the Belgian outfit posting a photo of the 23-year-old at their stadium. Club captain Fernandes opted for a trip back home to Portugal where he was spotted watching Pacos de Ferreira versus Torreense.
Sensational Liverpool raid
Manchester United are considering a stunning move for Alexis Mac Allister (Image: Lewis Storey, Getty Images)
With midfield additions high on United’s wishlist this summer, it has emerged that the Red Devils are plotting a potential move for Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister. While the club have expressed interest in Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, the Argentine is now a target for Carrick’s side.
Speculation continues to mount that the 27-year-old – whose contract at Anfield ends in 2028 – could leave Merseyside this summer after what has been a difficult individual season.
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If a move does materialise, it would represent the first direct transfer between the two rivals since Phil Chisnall swapped United for Liverpool in 1964.
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It remains to be seen whether Mac Allister would entertain leaving Arne Slot’s side but the World Cup winner has previously expressed his want to play in Spain before ending his career. United are a aware that a stunning swoop of the midfielder can only become reality if they qualify for the Champions League.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.