While interim head coach Michael Carrick has undoubtedly achieved far more than anybody expected in his time at the helm this season, there is a growing feeling that the real challenge will begin next season should his appointment to the permanent role be confirmed as expected. Though his ten wins in fifteen games is an exceptional achievement, one which means he has the second-best win rate of any Manchester United manager in the club’s history, things will become much harder for the former England international next season. United’s return to the Champions League means the club will compete on four fronts next season, leading to many more games and a greater need for United’s former midfielder to rotate the squad. This is something he has been somewhat reluctant to do thus far. As reports recently revealed, United have opened talks with Carrick about him extending his time at the helm, so now seems like the perfect time to assess what would be considered a success next season. A phenomenal start Questions were asked by many pundits and rival fans when the club announced in January that Carrick would be replacing Ruben Amorim on a temporary contract, with many believing that both he and his backroom staff lacked experience and would struggle against the elite. The reality, however, has been a stark contrast to those lowly expectations. Carrick not only secured a return to the Champions League with three games to spare, but he has masterminded impressive victories against fierce rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. In fact, the Red Devils have been so transformed under Carrick’s guidance that the Englishman has been nominated for Premier League Manager of the Year despite only overseeing fifteen games. This is a testament to the magnificent job he has done so far. Tougher days ahead Sceptics would argue that Carrick has had a relatively pressure-free run in his time in charge of the Red Devils, with a light fixture load allowing him full weeks of preparation between each game and United’s disastrous fifteenth-placed finish in the Premier League last season meaning anything above that would be considered progress. While these may be harsh opinions, United’s former midfield maestro is going to have to win over the doubters quickly next season. And as every football fan knows, nothing shuts doubters up quicker than a trophy. A successful transfer window will be key in giving Carrick the tools required to get his hands on silverware next season, and with a number of exciting rumours swirling around the club, it seems certain the squad will be strengthened and ready for a title challenge next season. Prioritise domestic competitions United will compete in four competitions next season, but the club should prioritise the competitions they have a better chance of winning. By no means should they write off the Champions League and Premier League, as the team has the capability to go far in these competitions, but the domestic cups provide the most realistic chance of silverware. The EFL Cup also concludes mid-season and, as we have often seen in the past, victory in that competition often provides a real boost to the winning team. Lifting that trophy at Wembley would not only quieten the doubters, but it would also put an end to the comparisons between Carrick and former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, as Solskjær did not win silverware while at the helm. Many believe the future of United will be bright under Carrick’s guidance, but getting his hands on a trophy next season will be key to allowing him the time to develop the squad into a force capable of challenging for the highest honours. Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Mike Walsh Mike Walsh is an experienced freelance journalist who has written about a variety of topics over multiple years. He is very happy to finally be writing about the Red Devils, especially now that his favourite player, Michael Carrick, is in charge of the team.
If Carrick does not achieve this goal next season, he won’t be around for the next one – opinion
Old Trafford set for emotional farewell as United hope to consolidate highly promising league finish
Manchester United will take on Nottingham Forest in the penultimate game of the season. The Red Devils have faced Forest 115 times in history, with United coming out on top 54 times. The Tricky Trees have been victorious 36 times, and there have been 26 draws. Here are four plotlines to look forward to on Sunday lunchtime. Man United vs Nottingham Forest record Games playedMan United winsDrawsCrystal Palace wins 115542536 Source: 11v11.com Casemiro goodbye Old Trafford will be an emotional place on Sunday when the famous old ground says goodbye to Casemiro. The Brazilian joined in the summer of 2022 and has not always had things go his way. Nonetheless, he has been outstanding this season and will surely get a hero’s farewell when he plays at the ground for the last time as a United player. Top three United secured Champions League football at the start of May when they beat Liverpool at home. A draw away to Sunderland last weekend inched Michael Carrick’s side closer to their goal of finishing in third. They are currently six points ahead of both Aston Villa and Liverpool, so a point in their last two fixtures would be enough to secure third spot. They may even have the position sorted before they kick a ball if Villa and Liverpool draw tonight at Villa Park. Poor recent form vs Forest The Red Devils snatched a 2-2 draw versus Forest at the City Ground in November after an outstanding volley from Amad. The BBC report that United “are winless in their last four Premier League games against Nottingham Forest.” They have lost three and drawn four of these matches, including a 2-3 loss at Old Trafford last season under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils have not won a game in the league versus Forest since winning 3-2 back in August 2023 under Erik ten Hag. Strong record at home on last day Whilst United will still have one more fixture to complete away to Brighton and Hove Albion in the league, Sunday’s match will be the final at Old Trafford until next season. The BBC reports that United have only lost one of their final home matches of the season in the last 18 years. This came against Cardiff City in 2019, when they went down 0-2 at Old Trafford. Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
Euro giants plan talks with United to sign red-hot assassin, Arsenal eyeing explosive hijack – report
Manchester United and FC Barcelona are set to hold fresh talks next week to resolve the future of Marcus Rashford, according to a new report. At Loggerheads Despite helping to propel Barcelona to defend their LaLiga title with 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions – including an outstanding free-kick in the 2-0 win over Real Madrid on Sunday, which confirmed them as champions, doubts over Rashford‘s future continue to persist. The season-long loan agreed with United last summer contains a £26 million release clause, which Barcelona can trigger at any point before 15 June to make the deal permanent. However, the Blaugrana’s finances are stretched, and they have more pressing priorities elsewhere on the pitch, such as a new No. 9, than a rotational winger. But the Catalans know Rashford is desperate to remain at Camp Nou, a feeling matched by the executive branch at Old Trafford. They are hoping to leverage this situation to strike a new, cheaper deal, rather than honouring the terms of the previous agreement. Whether it is a reduced fee or, more favourably from their perspective, a second loan, potentially with an obligation to buy clause that would allow them to spread their finances more evenly, remains to be seen. United’s stance in response has been resolute: pay up, or risk losing out, with the Red Devils prepared to stomach a fraught return in order to sell the 28-year-old forward elsewhere. Fresh Talks Planned The Independent reveals the two clubs are “set to reopen negotiations next week” in hopes of finding a compromise. But the report states there is the “possibility he returns to United in July”. A new buyer is unlikely to be found quickly should this reunion occur, as the “complexities of the situation mean that negotiations could go on some time – potentially to late in the window.” The biggest obstacle to Rashford’s permanent departure from Old Trafford is his exorbitant wage packet, worth in excess of £325,000 a week once the Champions League bonus kicks back in. While there is interest from other top clubs, including Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, none would have any interest in offering a package worth anywhere close to the existing salary. Interestingly, Premier League rivals Arsenal are also understood to be keeping a close eye on the situation, with a new left-winger considered a “main priority for the summer.” Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a big fan of Rashford. Final Thoughts It is crucial United are able to finalise Rashford’s sale before the 15 June deadline. His status as an academy player means the transfer would constitute ‘pure profit’ from a PSR perspective, meaning a relatively low £26 million fee will still have a big impact on the summer war chest. But United will also be forced to start paying his salary again should he return, and if a new exit cannot be quickly facilitated, this bill will quickly mount up. If, for example, Rashford comes back and is not sold until the end of August, that would set the club back around £2 million in wages alone. Whether it is Barcelona or Arsenal or Bayern Munich, the Carrington graduate cannot be allowed to return to his former haunt to continue terrorising the club’s finances. Feature image Clive Mason via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.
United fan favourite makes honest “go back” confession amid uncertain future
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has struggled with injuries this season, but he remains a key figure under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. The Argentine was brought to Old Trafford by former manager Erik ten Hag and has been a fine addition to the first team squad. Martinez was a first team regular under the Dutch manager and has retained that importance under his successors. Ten Hag was replaced by Ruben Amorim in November 2024, with the Red Devils subsequently shifting to a 3-4-3 system. The Argentine made the left-sided centre-back position his own, with his exquisite abilities on the ball, his reading of the game, and his aggression making him indispensable to the side. After the Portuguese head coach was removed from his position in January, United reverted to a back four under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. Martinez played a vital role in United’s outstanding start under the Englishman, playing every minute of the first five games, picking up four wins and a draw. Unfortunately, he picked up a calf injury, and then picked up a straight red card upon his return in the 2-1 defeat against Leeds. Martinez’s injury record at United Martinez has been one of the league’s finest in his position when fit, but he has struggled with injury issues during his time at the Theatre of Dreams. The 28 year old has missed 90 games for club and country with various knocks since joining United. Martinez ruptured his ACL in February last year and missed much of the first half of this season. He has registered just 17 appearances in all competitions this campaign, 12 of which have been starts. Copy of Lisandro Martinez Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League1611—11,051′ FA Cup11—-79′ EFL Cup——- Total1712—11,130′ Source: Transfermarkt. With Matthijs de Ligt also sidelined since December with a back injury, the Argentine’s fitness issues have posed a problem of late. Carrick had to famously opt for an unorthodox centre-back pairing of Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven against Chelsea in April, but it is to the duo’s credit that they came away with a 1-0 win. Martinez’s situation has led to questions regarding his future, especially since he will enter the final year of his contract this summer. The Argentine has now shed light on his future plans. Martinez wants future Newells return Speaking recently, as cited by La Capital, Martinez expressed regret about not playing longer for his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys. He said: “With Newell’s, I was left with a nagging feeling that I could have kept playing there because I made my first-team debut there and then never did again…” The Argentine went on to express a desire to return to Rosario, adding: “In football, you can’t say ‘I’m going to go back here or there’; all sorts of things can happen. I’d like to go back, but whatever happens, happens.” Martinez rose through the ranks at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa and broke into the senior side in 2017. He was sent out on loan to Defensa y Justicia the same year before joining the Buenos Aires club permanently in 2018 and moving to Ajax the following year. Final Thoughts While Martinez’s abilities make him an asset for United, the player’s injury troubles remain a concern. However, a previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that the Red Devils are not considering his departure this summer. 🚨 Lisandro Martinez is a real tone-setter at United. Multiple Carrington insiders have reported over the previous four years how standards in training RISE when he is available. He brings an INTENSITY, aggression, and competitiveness to the training ground that forces… pic.twitter.com/eC9VEnEF3i — UtdTruthful (@Utdtruthful) May 8, 2026 Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
Former United captain under consideration to enter British political arena in seismic career move – Sky
If there is one arena that matches football’s penchant for drama, it is politics. Footballer politicians The 1995 FIFA Player of the Year, George Weah, famously became the president of Liberia in 2018. Romario was also elected to become a Brazilian senator, and former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko briefly entered the political arena in his native Ukraine. Gary Neville Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has had an incredibly busy post-playing career. He has worked as a pundit and commentator on Sky Sports since 2012. Neville is also a hotelier, property developer, and university founder. The former fullback has also dipped his toes into the political pool before, making his leanings well known. Speaking in 2022, he stated, “I want to support Labour. I do believe that we need a progressive Labour party but one that not just looks after the left side … it has to come towards the centre.” Political opportunity With the ruling Labour party in disarray in the United Kingdom, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is set to “make a bid to return as an MP as pressure mounts on Prime Minister Keir Starmer.” This will leave a void at the mayor position of the city, and according to Sky News, there have been discussions that Labour may pursue Neville. Sky reporter Sam Coates posted on X that “Gary Neville has been discussed inside Labour as a possible Andy Burnham replacement – but I’m told it is unclear if he’s been approached.” He also asked Neville to respond on the social media platform, but no comment was forthcoming. So @GNev2 has been discussed inside Labour as a possible Andy Burnham replacement – but I’m told it is unclear if he’s been approached – so just to ask on here – @GNev2 – any comment? https://t.co/vhGPr3q36A — Sam Coates Sky (@SamCoatesSky) May 14, 2026 Neville has spoken on a possible political career in the past with BBC’s Nick Robinson and claimed, “I say to myself sometimes ‘I’m able to communicate. I know what I want. I have got a business mind, I can manage people.’ But I just think I’d get eaten alive. I don’t know what Whitehall’s like, what Westminster’s like, I can only imagine what you have to do there to survive and I don’t play the game. So how can I get in?” The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
Picture: Array of first team stars present at United’s heartbreaking FA Youth Cup final defeat
Manchester United’s youngsters narrowly missed out on silverware once again this season. Narrow defeat Darren Fletcher’s under-18s have played some incredible football this season, and there are numerous young stars, such as JJ Gabriel and Jim Thwaites, to be excited about. The Under-18s finished second in the league and also lost the Premier League Cup final on penalties to Crystal Palace. They reached the final of the prestigious FA Youth Cup but once again came up short at the final hurdle, losing 1-2 to a late goal against great rivals Manchester City. United fell behind in the second half when the Blues scored a stunning free kick. They equalised moments later, though, when Godwill Kukonki headed in a Jim Thwaites set piece. The young Red Devils could not find their own winner and conceded a late goal to Reigan Heskey. Stars in attendance There has been much controversy over City’s decision to play the game at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium instead of allowing United to host it at Old Trafford. Nonetheless, there were still numerous stars packed into the small stadium. The Sun reports that, “Kai Rooney wore a dapper suit as he joined Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes in the crowd at the Youth Cup final.” Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were also in attendance alongside the club captain, showing support for their academy. The paper also adds that, “United head coach Michael Carrick was sitting in the row in front with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox on Thursday night.” Carrick has been praised for paying significant attention to the academy and is reportedly on the verge of being appointed permanent manager at the club. Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
“One of the chosen ones”: Leeds legend stunningly reveals how close he was to replacing Sir Alex
Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made a shock recommendation to the club’s board to replace him in 2002. Sir Alex’s U-turn After joining the club in 1986 and initially struggling, Sir Alex Ferguson went on to enjoy incredible success. Between 1986 and 2002, he won seven league titles and ended the club’s Champions League drought. The Scotsman stunned football when he announced in 2001 that he would be stepping down at the end of the season at the age of 60. Thankfully for United, Ferguson had a change of heart and in February 2002 announced he was remaining at the club, stating that he was not ready to walk away. Ferguson would go on to build arguably his greatest team in the period that followed, and United would win another Champions League and a further six Premier League titles before he finally retired in 2013. One manager who was frequently linked with taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson in 2002 was Sven-Göran Eriksson. He was reportedly so close to being named as Ferguson’s replacement that he had signed a contract with the club, but it never came to pass once Ferguson announced his U-turn and the Swede remained England boss. David O’Leary Former Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has revealed that he was backed by Ferguson to take over the hot seat at the turn of the Millennium. Speaking on The Overlap’s ‘Stick to Football’, the Irishman revealed how close he was to being in the running. O’Leary confirmed that he was approached by United in that era. He claimed, “Michael Kennedy [my solicitor] did, yeah, about it. Alex had recommended about three people or something like that. It never went any further than that. One of the chosen ones, yeah.” The former Arsenal centre-back managed Leeds between 1998 and 2002 and guided them to a Champions League semi-final. He would then manage Aston Villa between 2003 and 2006 before a final managerial position in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli for the 2010-2011 season. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
“Super delighted and proud”: Former United player given career lifeline at Walsall
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Lee Grant has made a significant career decision. United career Grant played for several clubs in England, including Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley. He played Premier League football for Stoke City before moving to Old Trafford in the summer of 2018. Grant spent four seasons at Manchester United, making just two appearances and one start for the senior team. His only start was a Europa League loss to FC Astana under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019. Coaching career The former goalkeeper retired in 2022 and became a first-team coach with Ipswich Town under Kieran McKenna. Last May, he was appointed manager of Huddersfield Town and handed a three-year deal. Unfortunately, things did not work out for the former Manchester United man and he was sacked in January after a run of poor performances. New Opportunity Nonetheless, a new career opportunity has been offered to Grant as the BBC reports that “Walsall have appointed former Huddersfield Town boss Lee Grant as the club’s new head coach.” The 43-year-old has signed a three-year deal at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium. Walsall finished thirteenth in League Two last season but showed their potential as they led the league at Christmas before dramatically falling out of contention. Speaking on the move, Grant claimed, “I’m super delighted and proud to be the new head coach.” He continued, “the teams I’ve been involved in have scored lots of goals and there’s been a good development of players and my ideas around that are strong – it’s going to be a busy period for myself and the club but I’m really excited to get going, help the football club progress and I very much look forward to getting to work.” Head of Football Stewart Mairs at the club also stated, “throughout the process, Lee demonstrated a tremendous hunger and desire to be part of this football club. He is highly articulate, detail-oriented and possesses a strong understanding of the modern game, but just as importantly, he is an excellent person. It is our job to support him and maximise his skill set.” All the smiling faces. 😁🎶 pic.twitter.com/fyEKE22hKj — Walsall FC (@WFCOfficial) May 14, 2026 Lee Grant stats as Huddersfield manager Matches playedWinsDrawsLossesWin % 361581342 The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
United, Barcelona ready to duke it out for the Ecuadorian Haaland, he is the perfect INEOS signing – report
Manchester United cannot afford to repeat the mistake they made with Rasmus Hojlund when it comes to Benjamin Sesko. The Dane also arrived as a young star, hoping to succeed at Old Trafford where other young forwards had failed. Then-manager Erik ten Hag had asked for support for the Denmark international to avoid burdening him with the sole responsibility of leading the team’s attack. However, the Glazers opted against it, and by his sophomore campaign, the former Atalanta ace’s confidence was shot and his performances dipped beyond acceptable levels. Benjamin Sesko needs help As a result, he was shipped out to Napoli on loan, where he is expected to remain for the long term. United’s new No.9 has started in fine fashion, and does look better than his predecessor. But with the Red Devils qualifying for next season’s Champions League, the Slovenian cannot do it all on his own. This is why the 20-time English league champions of bringing in a backup striker, and Spanish outlet AS have added an interesting name into the mix. It is well known that INEOS are not in the habit of signing players above 26, and they remain keen on scouring the South American market. Juan Riquelme Angulo scouted Diego Leon is one recent signing, as is Cristian Orozco. Now, an Ecuadorian in the form of Juan Riquelme Angulo could be about to make the switch. Plying his trade for Independiente del Valle, the 18-year-old has two goals for the first team in only 165 minutes of action. His form has attracted the attention of United, Barcelona, Benfica, and Porto. His lanky build and keen eye for goal have already earned him the moniker, “Haaland from Ecuador”. “Ten matches for Independiente del Valle and an emergency call-up to the Ecuadorian national team have already been enough for Juan Riquelme Angulo to attract the attention of clubs across Europe. Perfect INEOS signing “In an era where talent is increasingly being scouted at a younger age from the Old Continent, AS has learned that Barcelona, Manchester United, Benfica, and Porto are exploring the possibility of signing him.” He has been described as possessing “remarkable technique” along with dazzling pace, traits United could certainly do with up top. Independiente del Valle have been known to produce superstars, with the likes of Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, Willian Pacho, and Kendry Páez all starring in Europe. United had come perilously close to landing Caicedo, and they should look to make amends and not miss the chance to secure the services of Juan Riquelme Angulo on the cheap. Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
“You fool!”: United star’s father furiously lashes out at former player over harsh criticism
Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount’s father hit out at Michael Owen after he criticised the player in the aftermath of last weekend’s goalless draw with Sunderland. Mount struggles Mount has struggled with injuries since joining United from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. He has had to be patient for opportunities since Michael Carrick’s arrival as the replacement for Ruben Amorim. With United only focused on the Premier League, Carrick has demonstrated a clear preference for a midfield trio of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte’s absences against Sunderland paved the way for Mount to start alongside Mainoo, but he found it difficult to justify his selection. The England international struggled to replicate the impact that Casemiro has had on the team as United narrowly escaped with a point. Both defensively and offensively, Mount just couldn’t quite come up with the goods. This led to a rebuke from former United and Liverpool man Michael Owen during coverage of the contest. Owen said, “Mason Mount is working hard, but right now he’s not performing anywhere near the level Manchester United expected when they signed him. He looks a little slow in possession, a bit laggy in transitions, and he’s not really influencing the game enough in midfield.” “You can clearly see United are missing players like Casemiro in the middle of the park because there’s no real control or authority there.” Owen continued, “And even someone like Benjamin Sesko helps the structure with his movement and presence higher up the pitch. At the moment, Sunderland look more energetic and sharper in midfield areas. Manchester United need more intensity and personality from Mount because games like this demand it.” Mount’s father slams Owen Owen’s criticism was not taken well by Mount’s father, who made it clear just how he felt via a social media post. Mount’s father observed that the midfielder’s constraints are attributable to his fitness difficulties. He wrote on Instagram, “Maybe not starting a game for five months has something to do with looking rusty. Owen, you fool.” A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Mount has no desire to leave United this summer. He wants to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place. Mount’s United contract runs until 2028. Featured image George Wood via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
