Softfootball has consistently maintained that Manchester United are returning to where they belong. For the 2025/26 season, the minimum requirement must be qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
There is a feeling that had Ruben Amorim been relieved of his duties earlier, United might even have been in the thick of the Premier League title race. Currently, the advantage for United is clear, they are no longer juggling multiple competitions and are playing just one match per week after being knocked out of other tournaments.
Under Michael Carrick, the transformation has been evident. Reviewing the matches managed by Carrick so far shows just one draw, with the rest ending in victories. Beyond results, he has instilled a tougher, more resilient mentality, a “monster mentality.” United no longer feel the need to dominate every game stylistically to secure three points.
As often emphasized, no team can perform beautifully across all 38 league matches. Sometimes you must win through the good, the bad, or even the ugly. That balance was arguably missing under Enzo Maresca, who was dismissed by Chelsea on New Year’s Day 2026. His commitment to a strict possession-based approach proved costly when adaptability was required.
United now sit third on the table with 51 points, just eight behind Manchester City. That gap keeps belief alive. Carrick deserves credit, particularly for reviving Benjamin Šeško’s form. The striker, previously benched frequently under Ruben Amorim, has rediscovered his confidence and is now scoring almost every game.
When United perform well, the midfield duo of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo often shine. With Casemiro reportedly set to depart at the end of the season, his recent performances add even more weight to the team’s push.
At the back, Harry Maguire has also been influential. The recent 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace signals growing consistency. With a full week between matches and adequate recovery time, United have the platform to maintain momentum and potentially win all their remaining fixtures.
