Manchester United are on the verge of a Champions League return, but uncertainty surrounds next season. Michael Carrick has steadied the ship since replacing Ruben Amorim, yet it remains unclear who will lead the club long-term. Similar questions hang over several players, including Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona with no guarantee of a permanent move.
Carrick's immediate focus is Saturday's trip to Chelsea, where United will be without Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez due to suspension. With five league games left, including a visit from Liverpool, the race for Europe remains tight.
Off the pitch, United have fended off Manchester City's interest in 15-year-old academy star JJ Gabriel. According to The Telegraph, City made a concerted effort to sign Gabriel last summer, exploiting a rule allowing under-14s to 'serve notice' to leave. United feared losing him but convinced the wonderkid to stay. Gabriel is set to feature in Friday's FA Youth Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, United great Bryan Robson believes Carrick can reintegrate Rashford. Speaking to Footy Accumulators, Robson said: 'I stand by the idea that there’s something wrong if Marcus Rashford can’t enjoy his football at Manchester United. If anybody can handle him, Michael Carrick is very good at that kind of thing.' Robson added that if United qualify for the Champions League, they will need another forward.
