Kobbie Mainoo News

Man Utd get approval to sign Champions League-winning midfielder for free

Manchester United could recruit a three-time Champions League winner to bolster their midfield with Dani Ceballos now available as a free agent. The Real Madrid star is no longer in Jose Mourinho's plans at the Santiago Bernabeu, with reports suggesting a "new chapter" is about to begin for the midfielder. United have made it clear they will focus on their midfield this summer, given the number of anticipated departures. Casemiro has left Old Trafford after his contract expired, while Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount have both been linked with exits. Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo appear to be the foundation that Michael Carrick will construct upon in the centre of the pitch. Ederson will arrive at United once the World Cup finishes, with Sandro Tonali , Aurelien Tchouameni , Martin Baturina and Ayyoub Bouaddi all connected. However, with numerous targets carrying substantial price tags, the former Arsenal star could represent an affordable, high-quality option for Carrick. For instance, Tonali would require at least £80million while Tchouameni's valuation has climbed to an eye-watering £87m. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! By comparison, Ceballos is available on a free transfer and would probably not require the same wage packet as his former Madrid colleague. Casemiro previously moved to United from the Spanish giants, penning a four-year contract worth an initial £60m. The Brazilian commanded a substantial portion of the squad's wages, collecting £350,000-a-week during his spell at Old Trafford. Removing this hefty salary from the books is welcome news for the club, who have no plans to offer a contract as generous as this in the foreseeable future. Ceballos recently collected around £4.3m annually at Madrid, which works out at roughly £85,000-a-week for his services. For perspective, Diogo Dalot currently earns the same figure at United. The 29-year-old has enjoyed tremendous success with Madrid, clocking up 215 appearances and claiming 15 major honours. Should United choose to acquire Ceballos, the remainder of the midfield budget can be allocated to pricier targets on the shortlist. £60m-rated Mateus Fernandes from West Ham features on the wishlist, with the player said to be eager for a switch to Old Trafford. World Cup star Martin Baturina is another playmaker Carrick fancies, with Sky Italia reporting that Aston Villa are equally interested in the Croatia international.

2026-06-21

Man Utd make Casemiro announcement before Old Trafford farewell vs Nottingham Forest

Manchester United have confirmed that Casemiro has returned to training ahead of his final home match for the club. The experienced midfielder is set to leave United at the end of the season. Michael Carrick's squad are gearing up to take on Nottingham Forest in their penultimate fixture of the campaign on Sunday. United star Manuel Ugarte was also involved in training after recovering from injury. The midfield pair were missing from the team's recent encounter against Sunderland . Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo played in the stalemate at the Stadium of Light, while unused substitutes Jack and Tyler Fletcher offered additional choices from the bench. United announced that both Casemiro and Ugarte were back in training on Wednesday. Casemiro's recovery represents a significant boost for United as he prepares to bid farewell . The upcoming meeting with Forest will represent Casemiro's last home game for the club. His involvement in training increases the likelihood that the former Real Madrid player will add to his 33 league outings this season. FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Ugarte's return should also strengthen Carrick's options as his team aim to clinch third place. The Uruguay international, who has appeared in 22 Premier League matches, sat out the stalemate with Sunderland with a back issue. However, Casemiro is likely to attract the most attention after announcing his plan to leave United in the summer. The five-time Champions League winner is already bracing himself for an emotional send-off. "Honestly I feel so happy, especially for the affection from the fans, and the respect they have for me," Casemiro told United's club media . "I am hoping not to cry on my last day as it is such a beautiful experience, my wife already cried when the fans were asking for one more year. "So, I just want to enjoy it, enjoy all the moments and I will be a United fan for the rest of my life." Casemiro has showcased his talent, both as a defensive midfielder and in front of goal this season. The Brazilian has scored a career-best nine goals and played a crucial role in steering United towards Champions League qualification. He has lifted the FA Cup and League Cup throughout his four-year stint at United. Yet Casemiro recently described his bond with the supporters as the standout aspect of his time at Old Trafford. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube Channel , Casemiro said: "In this moment? For me, the best thing in this club is the fans. "I played a long time in Madrid and I lost games. In the next game... It's very difficult. And here, it doesn't matter. Support. Support, help every time. "For me, it's a big surprise. For me, the best thing here is the fans. Every time, help, fans. Support, support, support, support. It doesn't matter the game." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

2026-05-13

Manchester United set for talks to make Michael Carrick permanent head coach

Manchester United will open formal discussions with Michael Carrick with a view to appointing him as permanent head coach. The 44-year-old’s success since taking the role on an interim basis in early January has impressed Jason Wilcox, the director of football, and the chief executive, Omar Berrada. After replacing Ruben Amorim, who was sacked on 5 January, Carrick has earned 33 points from 15 Premier League matches, the most of any team in the division. Carrick has lifted United from seventh to third, securing Champions League qualification. His side need a point from their final two games to confirm third place. Carrick has also restored the feelgood factor at Old Trafford, with players and fans supportive. He has made Kobbie Mainoo first choice again, after the midfielder did not make a Premier League start this season under Amorim, and a calm media persona has been the antithesis of his predecessor, who could be emotional when speaking publicly. This has convinced the hierarchy that Carrick is the prime candidate, with talks to decide the potential length of his contract, and its terms, rather than his suitability. Wilcox and Berrada are not thought to be concerned about Carrick’s relative inexperience at elite level. By the end of the season he will have managed United in 20 games – 17 this term and three during his previous caretaker spell in November and December 2021. Carrick’s success means he has not yet faced a slump in form, but this is not a concern for the executive.

2026-05-13

Manchester United team vs Sunderland predicted as Carrick makes changes with Sesko call made

Manchester United have three games remaining in the Premier League season. United secured Champions League football last weekend but the Reds will want to finish the campaign on a high. Michael Carrick hinted on Thursday that changes could be made to give some fringe players an opportunity to impress. However, a raft of changes is unlikely. Lisandro Martinez is back from his three-match suspension and could start. Harry Maguire has not let Carrick down this season and should keep his spot. Ayden Heaven has done nothing wrong but Carrick could be tempted to pair Leny Yoro with the experienced defender. Yoro was playing well up until his injury and deserves a run-out against Sunderland. Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw have nailed down the full-back positions. Click here to find out the latest Manchester United news in our daily newsletter Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo will start in midfield. The Brazil international is in the last stretch of his farewell tour and deserves to start every game, fitness dependent. Attacking midfield is where changes are more likely. Bruno Fernandes is still on the hunt for the assist record and he is the key to this United team. Benjamin Sesko had to be taken off after colliding with the advertising hoarding against Liverpool and Carrick said after the game United were being careful with him. This makes him the obvious option to drop out. Bryan Mbeumo could then move from right wing to centre-forward. He has done well in that role previously and after struggling for form recently, a return up top could be just what is needed. Amad's mistake gave Liverpool a route back into last weekend's game. He needs to play his way out of this form and a return to a stadium that holds happy memories for him could get him back on track. Matheus Cunha will start on the left ahead of Patrick Dorgu. United predicted XI vs Sunderland: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo

2026-05-09

'Not bothered' - Michael Carrick gives update on Manchester United head coach role

Michael Carrick insists he has no problem with his Manchester United bosses running the rule over potential candidates to replace him, despite steering the club back into the Champions League . The 44-year-old is expected to land the job on a permanent basis after a run of 10 wins from 14 games since he replaced Ruben Amorim in January, but United officials want to make sure he is the right man. Old Trafford sources have been adamant since January that they will conduct a "thorough process" to make sure they get the appointment right, and although Carrick has aced his audition, that still stands. Click here to find out the latest Manchester United news in our daily newsletter A number of high-profile names have been ruled out, with Thomas Tuchel signing a new contract with the Football Association and Luis Enrique poised to commit his future to Paris Saint-Germain. United's reluctance to consider a coach at the World Cup is expected to rule out Julian Nagelsmann. That leaves Carrick's main competition as Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, both of whom are leaving their clubs when their contracts expire this summer. United's interim head coach is the favourite thanks to his outstanding record, but claims he isn't fussed about seeing other people linked to the job. "No, genuinely not. Whether it's discussed or not discussed, it hasn't bothered me, it hasn't changed literally how I go about it," he said. "I've been confident in the work that we're doing and working with the players and leading the club, so it literally hasn't had any effect on me at all. "I think it's a process, I think pretty obviously it's going to be a process and that was from the outset, in terms of finding someone to fill the position." Carrick's claims to the role have been strengthened by several players backing him to stay publicly, with Kobbie Mainoo and Matheus Cunha the latest to add their support last weekend. "I think as a coach or manager and a leader of a group, you're only a leader of a group if people want to follow you," said Carrick. "It's not a thing that you can talk about so much, it's actions kind of prove that. So when I feel the support and I feel that the boys are all connected, not so much with me, but showing it together on the pitch is the most important thing really and they've clearly shown that in different ways. "That's the most pleasing thing and then we try to guide them and help them in certain ways. But yeah, it's satisfying when you can see them putting it together as a team." Amad was the first player to go public with his support for Carrick staying in. His form has suffered recently, and he was withdrawn at half-time against Brentford, before coming on at half-time against Liverpool and giving the ball away for Dominik Szoboszlai's goal. But Carrick insists there is no concern internally around Amad and played down a hug he had offered the winger at the end of last week's 3-2 win against Liverpool. "Amad's fine, he's absolutely fine," he said. "He's no problem. He was smiling at full-time. Mistakes were part of football. I've made them. I've made plenty as a player, I understand, and sometimes you make them and it leads to a goal. Sometimes you make them and you get away with it and no one really talks about it. "He's done so many good things since I came back and the impact that he's had on the team, his performance is what he gives the team. With the ball, without the ball, his energy, his attitude towards it and he's been great over the last few days and he was great after the game and so he should be. "He's got nothing to feel down about or upset about or frustrated about because he's got so much to look forward to and he's so talented and so exciting and an absolute joy to work with."

2026-05-09

'Controversial' wildcard transfer option set for Manchester United audition

Manchester United's summer transfer window is set to be an exciting one after securing Champions League football for next season

2026-05-08

'Controversial' wildcard transfer option set for Manchester United audition

Manchester United's summer transfer window is set to be an exciting one after securing Champions League football for next season

2026-05-08

Casemiro shares stance on staying at Man Utd after Matheus Cunha teased transfer U-turn

Casemiro has confirmed there is "no chance" he will remain at Manchester United . Back in January, the Brazilian midfielder announced he would depart Old Trafford at the conclusion of the current season. He has since become an instrumental figure for Michael Carrick , delivering vital goals and proving the ideal midfield partner for the revitalised Kobbie Mainoo . United supporters have been chanting "One more year, one more year, Casemiro," throughout the campaign, which seemed to touch the former Real Madrid star's wife following the triumph over Liverpool . Matheus Cunha also recently offered some supporters hope Casemiro might remain at the club, by stating "you never know" while suggesting he wants his colleague to stay. Nevertheless, the midfield veteran has confirmed himself he will depart Old Trafford with his dignity intact at the season's end. Speaking to ESPN , when asked if he might now remain at the club, Casemiro responded: "I don't think there's a chance. There's no chance. Mostly because of what I said, you know? Go out the big door. I think it was four beautiful, wonderful years and I am eternally grateful not only to the club, but to the fans. "But I think I have to leave in good terms, I have to go out on top. I will be an eternal United fan here in England and I just have to thank all the love from the fans." FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page This will prove a massive blow for Cunha particularly, who recently said: "I play with him in the national team and I know how important he is. He's an amazing guy. And yeah, to have this guy in the dressing room is a privilege. "We don't know in the end how it is with his contract, and then of course we, everyone, hopes there's a little bit more. Of course, I know it's harder than we talked about, but yeah, in the end, you never know." Carrick also urged the United faithful to savour Casemiro's displays and commitment as much as possible between now and the season's conclusion. The United interim manager said: "Case's had an influence within the group. "He's got huge experience, he's a big player, he's achieved an awful lot in the game, and I have to say, since I've been here, he's given everything that he could possibly give. "The situation's probably helped that, knowing exactly where it's at, there's nothing to hide and he's thrown himself right into it. It's football, you know, it's football. Some players have come and gone, players have come and left this football club over the years and you've got to evolve and you go with that. "That's kind of the world we're in, but he's definitely given everything and I think it's nice that he's got that connection with the supporters and it comes from both ways because I know he's an emotional guy and it means a lot to him." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

2026-05-06

Most Manchester United players to earn 25% rise in salary after Champions League qualification

Manchester United’s qualification for the Champions League means a 25% rise in salary for most of the squad. While not all players who will be paid more will receive the 25% increase, the majority will. Bruno Fernandes, the club’s highest paid player, will earn around £250,000 a week with the increase. Kobbie Mainoo signed a new five-year contract worth around £120,000-a-week last week, while Harry Maguire also recently agreed a new one-year contract. Both players’ deals are thought to be incentivised in regards to their involvement in next season’s Champions League. It is unclear which United players are to miss out completely, though it is understood to relate to individual clauses in contracts. United secured a return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time in two years with victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday. They are third in the Premier League with 64 points having won 10 out of 14 games under interim manager Michael Carrick. The former midfielder is expected to be offered the chance to continue as United’s head coach next season on the back of his impressive record having taken over from Ruben Amorim in January.

2026-05-05

Man Utd news: Bruno Fernandes urges 'compulsory' target as £51m transfer in the works

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has declared one target for the Red Devils must be 'compulsory' as Michael Carrick's side look to build on securing Champions League football

2026-05-05