Five things Michael Carrick must do for Man Utd on day one of pre-season at Carrington

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Manchester United begin pre-season this week ahead of the 2026/27 campaign and Michael Carrick will be right into the thick of it.

At the end of last season, it came out that Ineos felt the Premier League was winnable in the next few years. Due to this ambition, supporters felt a huge summer transfer window was on the way.

But Manchester United arrive at Carrington without a new signing in tow, but two agreed, and still there will be plenty of belief that 2026/27 will be a special campaign.

However, lots of parts must fall into place if United are going to be able to make this happen. So here are five things we think should be on Michael Carrick’s to do list on pre-season day one.

Demand a marquee midfielder from Jason Wilcox

United have agreed to sign Andrey Santos alongside Ederson this summer as part of a Brazilian wave at Old Trafford, but it doesn’t address the main issue.

United can’t rely on a midfield of Kobbie Mainoo and Andrey Santos as good as they both are, because they are inexperienced and need that marquee name to guide them.

Carrick will be desperate for Aurelien Tchouameni to come and complete the rebuild of his midfield department, with Santos capable on both sides of the midfield behind or beside Tchouameni.

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Decide whether Marcus Rashford will be welcomed back at Manchester United

Incomings will be on Carrick’s mind, but so will the outgoings, with Marcus Rashford’s future yet to be decided for after the World Cup.

Rashford is with England, but after the tournament and his summer holiday, he is currently set to rejoin the United squad after Barcelona refused their £26m option to buy.

Mixed reports seem to suggest the club will wait and see if interest arrives, but Carrick should have the ultimate say. If he wants to keep Rashford, the club must back him and if not, then progress as though he will be leaving.

United can’t plan for the season with Rashford, if he will be leaving after pre-season anyway.

Evaluate returning loanees

Rashford isn’t the only loanee returning to Carrington with the likes of Jacob Devaney, Radek Vitek and Harry Amass all fresh off successful expeditions to play professional football.

All three could realistically play a part for United in the 2026/27 season, but also won’t be served well sat on the bench for 10 months. So Carrick either needs to plan to play them or find loans for them again, which are a step up.

Vitek is reportedly set to leave, but Devaney and Amass could really nail down a place during pre-season, taking up two positions that Ineos have failed to strengthen so far.

Big decisions for Carrick.

Plan to integrate five or six academy players to fill out the squad

Alongside the returning youngsters from loan, United have several young talents who earned a chance this summer with their academy performances.

Shea Lacey, JJ Gabriel, Jim Thwaites, Godwill Kukonki and both Fletcher twins are all likely to get a look in during the coming campaign, with a handful likely to play substantial football due to the fixture congestion set to be faced.

Carrick may be surprised by talents, but should have a view as to which young players are perfect for the squad player roles he needs. Lacey, Thwaites and Tyler Fletcher are likely those who will make a big mark on a more permanent basis.

Settle on Patrick Dorgu’s position for 2026/27

Another big call that Carrick must make is settle on where he wants to use Patrick Dorgu for the majority of the upcoming campaign, on the wing or at full-back.

Since Carrick’s arrival, it has been the left-wing where Dorgu has earned Gareth Bale comparisons and it would be tough to imagine he reverts to full-back after the performances he has put in under Carrick.

This impacts the transfer plans, with a winger not needed, but a left-back might be – unless Amass can step up. Dorgu is tipped for a breakout season and if he has the same impact he did during the latter half of 2025/26, he could be set for a special campaign.