Man Utd
Dušan Vlahović as a Stopgap: Would United Gain or Gamble?
United consider Dušan Vlahović as a low-fee option to bolster forward depth amid Zirkzee uncertainty
Manchester United remain linked to forward reinforcements despite spending over £200 million ($265.9 million) on attacking players last summer. With Joshua Zirkzee’s future uncertain and his contract situation elsewhere, reports suggest United have explored a potential cut-price move for Dušan Vlahović, with a fee of around £13 million and the Serbia international’s contract expiring next summer.
If Zirkzee were to depart in January, the Red Devils would face a shortage of quality centre-forward depth. Benjamin Šeško is beginning to settle at Old Trafford and has scored in back-to-back games, but the young Slovenian cannot be expected to carry the load alone.
Vlahović’s career trajectory is well documented. He arrived in Italy with limited experience, broke through at Fiorentina—scoring 21 in 40 appearances in 2020–21 and 20 in his first 24 games the following season—before moving to Juventus in January 2022. He netted nine times in his first half-season with Juve and has added 47 in the subsequent three full campaigns. This season his minutes have been limited, yet he has contributed four goals from the bench, including two goals and an assist in the 4–4 Champions League draw with Borussia Dortmund.
Statistically, Vlahović has offered consistent output without ever reaching the elite finishing marks of the world’s very best. From United’s 2024–25 squad, only Bruno Fernandes outscored him in all competitions. Of the forwards remaining at Old Trafford, Amad Diallo managed 11 goals and Zirkzee seven. Vlahović’s 2024–25 numbers were stronger than Zirkzee’s but lagged behind Šeško, who posted 11 more goal contributions and superior goals-per-game, shot on target and conversion figures.
Vlahović brings a sturdy frame, physical presence and an eye for goal. He is less effective defensively and has struggled at times under expectation in Turin. He reportedly earns around £368,000 per week, more than any other Serie A player. On balance, he would provide experienced competition and bench quality for Ruben Amorim’s squad, but the move could be viewed as sideways rather than transformative for United.
Man Utd
Players Say Carrick’s ‘Magic’ and Tactical Reset Have Turned United’s Season Around
Players credit Michael Carrick’s blend of nostalgia and tactics for Manchester United’s revival. Jan
Matheus Cunha compared Michael Carrick’s arrival to a dose of old‑school inspiration and credited the caretaker manager with sparking Manchester United’s recent recovery. Cunha opened the scoring in the derby and said: “When Michael [Carrick] came, he came with magic! Alex Ferguson vibes. He talks so much about his team, the conquering team. This feeling comes to us. We feel so happy with the information, we focus so hard to reach the objective.
“At the end of the day, this is just the start of the journey, it’s the beginning—a beautiful beginning!”
United were seventh when Carrick took the helm, narrowly beating out Ole Gunnar Solskjær in the race of former players to replace Ruben Amorim. Since that change the club have posted the best record in the league, a run that has included victories over Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. That same group of players had earlier been dumped out of the Carabao Cup second round by fourth‑tier Grimsby Town.
There has been a tangible shift beyond nostalgia. Carrick has moved the team from Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 to a more direct 4-2-3-1 and has repositioned players to suit their strengths. Bruno Fernandes explained how Carrick identified the right half-space as a key area for the playmaker to exploit; it was from that zone that Fernandes started the move which led to Benjamin Šeško’s goal against Liverpool.
Few have benefited more than Kobbie Mainoo. The academy graduate, who had one foot out of the door by the end of Amorim’s tenure, signed a new lucrative deal and is now a nailed-on starter. Mainoo said of Carrick: “He’s played a huge part in it, all the confidence he gives all the players. You want to follow him and fight for him and die for him on the pitch.”
After 17 games Carrick’s record stands alongside Sir Alex Ferguson’s early benchmark: Carrick (start date Jan. 17, 2026) 12 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses, 33 goals for and 19 against; Ferguson (start date Nov. 8, 1986) 7 wins, 6 draws, 4 losses, 22 goals for and 15 against.
United’s hierarchy have made no decision on a permanent appointment. Andoni Iraola is being seriously considered and the interest in Luis Enrique has not been entirely closed off. Carrick declined to discuss his future: “Whatever is going to happen is going to happen,” he shrugged.
Man Utd
Sir Alex Ferguson taken to hospital before United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool
Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital from Old Trafford before United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool.
Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital from Old Trafford on Sunday before Manchester United’s Premier League match against Liverpool. The former manager had been meeting guests at the stadium, including cardiologist Dr. Aseem Malhotra, who posted a photograph with Ferguson on social media.
Malhotra wrote on X: “A privilege, honour and dream come true to be invited to spend some quality time with Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the game against Liverpool today at Old Trafford.” It is not clear how soon after that meeting Ferguson was transported to hospital; he did not attend the game.
Ferguson missed Manchester United’s chaotic 3–2 victory, a match decided by Kobbie Mainoo’s 77th-minute strike. Mainoo celebrated a recent contract extension after scoring the match-winner.
Manchester United have yet to issue a formal statement on Ferguson’s condition. The Athletic reported the club described the situation as “not a medical emergency.” BBC Sport echoed that line and said club officials are “optimistic” Ferguson will soon be “fit enough” to return home.
Ferguson is widely regarded as the greatest manager in Premier League history. He guided Manchester United to 13 Premier League titles during a 27-year tenure and led the club to two Champions League triumphs. The 1998–99 season produced a treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles, a feat not repeated by an English club until Manchester City in 2023. Pep Guardiola and Manchester City currently hold six Premier League titles.
Some observers noted past health concerns. In 2018 Ferguson suffered a brain hemorrhage that required emergency surgery. He recalled that episode in his documentary Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In, and said, “All of my life I have appreciated the NHS, none more so with that experience, they were fantastic. And I owe it to them really.”
Man Utd
Mainoo’s Finish Seals United’s 3–2 Victory Over Liverpool and Champions League Return
Kobbie Mainoo’s strike completed United’s 3–2 win over Liverpool and secured Champions League spot..
Manchester United confirmed their place in next season’s Champions League with a 3–2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday. The match was a study in contrasts: an electric opening for the hosts, a period of self-inflicted chaos, and a decisive final act.
Matheus Cunha profited from slack defending in the early exchanges, his shot sneaking past Freddie Woodman after a crucial Alexis Mac Allister deflection. Cunha’s goal was his ninth league strike of the season; it followed his previous match-winning effort at Chelsea where he scored the only goal. Earlier in the campaign Cunha also scored against Arsenal, Leeds United and Aston Villa.
United soon doubled their lead through Benjamin Šeško, who converted after Freddie Woodman fingertipped a Bruno Fernandes header onto the lurking Slovenian. The second goal underwent VAR review amid suggestions of a handball, but the Premier League Match Center said there was ”no conclusive evidence” to rule that Šeško had handled the ball. The decision left Liverpool feeling aggrieved and surprised observers in the stands.
Liverpool, already missing Mohamed Salah, were dealt another blow when Alexander Isak was ruled out with a groin injury sustained in training. With several forwards unavailable, Arne Slot reverted to a 4-2-4-esque setup featuring two false nines. The visitors took advantage of two United errors after the restart, enjoying a strong 15-minute spell and temporarily pinning the hosts back.
Kobbie Mainoo was outstanding in the first half, winning duels and driving United in transition. Despite an uneven second half in which United’s midfielders were often caught ahead of the ball, Mainoo produced a superb finish from the edge of the area to settle the contest and complete United’s first double over Liverpool in a decade.
Bryan Mbeumo, the Cameroonian who had been a key source of goals earlier in the season, was bright in this match as well. Overall, United earned the win in an open, entertaining game that underlined both their attacking strengths and moments of vulnerability.
