Manchester United‘s main goal until the end of the 2025/26 season is clear: failing to secure Champions League football would be seen as a setback.
Since Ruben Amorim’s departure after 14 months, Michael Carrick has taken over as interim manager. His leadership has brought some stability to the team.
Aside from a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in his first match, Carrick had previously managed to inspire his players.
Victories against rivals Manchester City, league leaders Arsenal, and struggling Tottenham Hotspur have boosted team morale after a tough finish to Amorim’s time.
Players like Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko have shown great form under Carrick, improving their chances of finishing in third place ahead of Aston Villa and Chelsea.
However, despite recent improvements, United’s leadership, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, are continuing to focus on new player recruitment.
With Casemiro leaving in the summer, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali has been identified as a possible replacement for him. Real Madrid is also interested in Tonali, and reports suggest that Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare is now a target for United this summer.
Sangare has impressed club scouts with his physical strength and tactical awareness, making him a fitting option for United’s midfield.
Previously attracting interest from teams like Bayern Munich and Liverpool, Sangare is now also on the radar of Aston Villa and West Ham United. His current team, which acquired him from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, is looking for a higher transfer fee than what they paid three years ago.
Any transfer discussions are expected to revolve around a fee of €45–50 million, as Sangare is considered one of the club’s key players, alongside Elliot Anderson and Murillo. The interest from West Ham and Villa, coupled with his contract running until 2028, could complicate United’s efforts to secure him.