Officially punching their Champions League ticket on Sunday afternoon as they clinched a rollercoaster 3-2 victory at home against historic rivals Liverpool, Manchester United are clearly relishing life under Michael Carrick’s guidance.
Embarking on a stellar resurge since the former Middlesbrough boss made a shock return to the Old Trafford dugout back in January, United are now putting together their summer preparations.
With it announced earlier in the year that Brazilian superstar Casemiro will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, the 33-year-old will certainly leave a real hole in the middle of United’s midfield.
However, while the five-time Champions League-winner might be on his way out of Manchester, fans around Old Trafford were ecstatic last week as Kobbie Mainoo pledged his long-term future to his boyhood club.
With a partner for their academy graduate firmly at the top of Man United’s agenda this summer, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali is one of the leading names on Carrick’s wishlist and a move to Old Trafford could be perfect for all parties.
Mainoo’s future officially confirmed
Bagging a sensational winner during United’s dramatic 3-2 victory against soon-to-be former Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday, it has been a memorable week for Mainoo.
Drawing a line under months of uncertainty last week, the 21-year-old put pen to paper on a bumper new long-term deal at Old Trafford and his contract until 2031 was announced to plenty of excitement among the United fanbase.
Almost completely omitted by Ruben Amorim prior to his public departure back in January, the England international had also made it clear that he was actively seeking a move away from his boyhood club.
However, reinstalled by Carrick and with United’s temporary boss publicly stating that their academy graduate was a key part of his plans, Mainoo has formed a dominant partnership alongside Casemiro.
Quickly becoming a key figure in United’s charge to a lucrative Champions League return, Carrick’s side are now searching for the perfect option to come in and partner Mainoo at the heart of their midfield.
Playing himself back into Thomas Tuchel’s England plans and with this summer’s World Cup fast approaching on the horizon, the Stockport-born starlet has been billed as a potential future United captain.
Signed. Sealed. United ✔️ pic.twitter.com/5Q5qX1ojkK
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 30, 2026
Tonali keen on a move away from St. James’
While Tonali might have endured a nightmare start to life on Tyneside after being handed an immediate 10-month suspension back in October 2023 for breaching betting rules, the Italian international has come roaring back in some style.
Although Newcastle might appear destined for a bottom-half Premier League finish after what has been a nightmare campaign at St. James’ Park, their midfield ace has been one of the only positive notes in Eddie Howe’s camp.
Despite suffering major World Cup qualifying heartbreak with Italy during March’s international break, Tonali finds his stock at a red-hot high and has been one of the Premier League’s standout midfield stars this season.
However, alongside talismanic skipper Bruno Guimaraes, the Newcastle hierarchy are more than aware that they have an almighty battle on their hands in the race to keep hold of their all-star midfield duo.
While Tonali might have watched a muted late January switch to Arsenal fail to materialise, it has been heavily suggested that the former AC Milan youngster has informed the Magpies that he is seeking a new adventure away from Tyneside this summer.
With his sole focus on playing Champions League football next season, Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano stated last month that Tonali is high on United’s midfield target list and that the 32-cap international is keen on extending his stay among England’s elite.
Although it might have been suggested that Newcastle have slapped an £80million price tag on the 24-year-old, United are eagerly monitoring Tonali’s situation closely.
🚨 Manchester United have Sandro Tonali very high on their shortlist for June, as reported. The player would be open to the move.
Elliot Anderson, another name on shortlist but Manchester City are still ahead — with very serious interest.
Man City and Arsenal, both also… pic.twitter.com/B9MVRrWljP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 30, 2026