Manchester United F.C.’s senior squad have reportedly thrown their support behind Michael Carrick, with most players said to be in favour of the interim boss being handed the role on a permanent basis.

Carrick stepped in during a turbulent period for the club, following a disappointing run under Ruben Amorim, who managed just three wins from his final 11 games in charge. The situation failed to improve under caretaker Darren Fletcher, whose brief spell included a draw against Burnley F.C. and an FA Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion F.C..

Since taking over, Carrick has overseen a strong turnaround, guiding United to seven wins from ten league matches and restoring a sense of belief around Old Trafford that had been missing in the years following Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

A number of high-profile names had been linked with the job after Amorim’s exit, including Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Carlo Ancelotti, Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino and Oliver Glasner. However, Tuchel—once considered a leading candidate—effectively ruled himself out by committing his future to England until Euro 2028.

Carrick’s early success has not gone unnoticed within the dressing room. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are believed to be particularly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

While his current deal runs until the end of the 2025/26 season, the club have yet to clarify whether he will remain in charge beyond this summer. A final decision could depend on whether Carrick secures UEFA Champions League qualification, with United currently sitting in a strong third-place position in the league.

Behind the scenes, players have reportedly welcomed Carrick’s more flexible approach, especially compared to the rigid tactical demands under Amorim. His willingness to allow individuals to express themselves has been seen as a major positive, along with his extensive knowledge of players and leagues across world football.

Opinions outside the club remain divided. Former United figures like Gary Neville and Roy Keane have questioned whether Carrick is the right long-term solution. However, Juan Mata, who played alongside him for five seasons, believes his former teammate has already shown he is more than capable of stepping into the role permanently.

Mata described Carrick as highly intelligent and someone who always led by example during his playing career, preferring to let his performances do the talking rather than seek attention. He added that Carrick’s influence in the dressing room was significant, both in terms of his professionalism and his ability to support teammates.

According to Mata, Carrick is now carrying those same qualities into management—quietly setting standards, connecting well with players, and delivering the results the club has been craving.

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have withdrawn from the England national football team camp and returned to Arsenal F.C. for further medical checks.

Both players were absent from England’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay national football team at Wembley Stadium on Friday, where Noni Madueke was forced off early due to a knee issue. It has now been confirmed that all three will miss England’s upcoming friendly against Japan national football team on Tuesday.

In addition, Adam Wharton and John Stones have also left the squad after picking up injuries during the Uruguay match.

England announced on Saturday that the squad has been reduced to 27 players ahead of the clash with Japan, with a total of eight individuals departing the camp. Among those leaving are Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The update also confirmed that Stones has returned to Manchester City F.C. for further assessment after sustaining a problem in training prior to the Uruguay fixture. Meanwhile, Wharton and Madueke have gone back to their respective clubs after picking up knocks during the game.

Saka and Rice, who only joined the squad on Friday alongside a group of other players, have now also been sent back to Arsenal for evaluation. The remaining group included Dean Henderson, Nico O’Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane, who continue preparations for Tuesday’s match.

Cole Palmer is reportedly open to a potential move to Manchester United F.C. after growing increasingly unsettled at Chelsea F.C..

The 23-year-old is in his third season at Stamford Bridge following his £42.5 million switch from Manchester City F.C. in 2023. He made an immediate impact in west London, scoring 38 goals across his first two campaigns, but has found this season more difficult, with injuries disrupting his rhythm.

Reports claim Palmer has become frustrated with tactical adjustments made during the current campaign, while the exit of Nicolas Jackson—who joined FC Bayern Munich on loan last summer—has also contributed to his dissatisfaction.

It’s understood that Palmer would be willing to consider a switch to Manchester United, the club he supported growing up, although United’s current transfer focus is said to be on strengthening central midfield and adding a left-back.

Chelsea, however, are not looking to part ways with one of their key players. The club reportedly views Palmer as integral to their long-term plans and holds a strong position in any negotiations, given that the England international still has seven years remaining on his contract.

Meanwhile, Liam Rosenior’s side have endured a dip in form, exiting the Champions League and slipping to sixth in the Premier League table after consecutive defeats to Newcastle United F.C. and Everton F.C..

Uncertainty at the club has also been reflected in comments from Enzo Fernandez, who recently cast doubt over his own future following a heavy 3-0 home loss to Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in the Champions League. The midfielder admitted he is unsure what lies ahead, suggesting that decisions about his future will likely be made after the season concludes, with domestic fixtures and international commitments still to come.