Michael Carrick’s contract through the end of the 2027–28 season formalises what the club quietly signalled: he is the manager tasked with delivering ‘Project 150’. That responsibility arrives after a turbulent period in which United fell to 15th in the Premier League last season, yet the board retained the original ambition. When questioned about the plan in the summer of 2025, Berrada told the fanzine United We Stand: “Why not aim for it?” and added, “Why not do everything in our power? I firmly believe we can do it.” He later reminded supporters that there would be “two or three summer transfer windows” available to execute the plan.

Carrick’s first run as permanent manager offers evidence that the project is not merely aspirational. With the same squad that struggled for consistency under Ruben Amorim, United have taken more points from their first 16 matches in charge than any other Premier League team across the equivalent period. That run has produced an average of 2.25 points per game, a rate that projects to 85.5 over a full season. For context, champion Arsenal’s maximum tally will be 85.

There are clear reasons for optimism: the squad has improved markedly from a 51-year low recorded 12 months earlier, and recent signings brought in for Amorim — Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško and Senne Lammens — have all “made a substantially positive difference working to Carrick’s instruction.”

Carrick’s profile is rooted in long association with the club. Born and raised in suburban Newcastle and first established in east London, he arrived at Old Trafford in 2006 and said he “felt the magic of Manchester United” from his first visit. He featured in teams that won back-to-back-to-back Premier League titles, won the Champions League and reached two other finals. He won the club Players’ Player of the Year in the ‘Van Persie’ season, became captain, completed 464 appearances, joined the staff and, by December 2021, after a three-match spell as caretaker boss, left to begin his managerial career having spent more than 15 years at the club.

On his appointment he said, “I know what it takes and hopefully I can give that experience a little bit to the players and they can feed off it, and we can keep pushing for more.” The comparison with other managerial trajectories in the game underlines the view that internal knowledge can matter when executing a long-term project.

Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad announcement has prompted sharp debate over England’s midfield composition. The depth of options is clear, but several high-profile omissions and a handful of trusted inclusions have defined the list.

Cole Palmer is the absence attracting most attention. Once considered a near-certain pick for North America, an injury-hit start to the 2025–26 campaign interrupted his rhythm. He never fully recovered amid the chaos at Stamford Bridge and has been brutally axed by ex-Blues boss Tuchel.

Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White was also left out despite a remarkable goalscoring campaign; the 26-year-old appeared to have hit form at the perfect time. Manchester City’s Phil Foden is another notable absentee. Deeper in midfield, Adam Wharton’s omission surprised many after another fine season at Crystal Palace. Strong campaigns from Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Everton’s James Garner likewise went unrewarded.

Conor Gallagher and Curtis Jones, who have featured in previous squads, were judged not convincing enough this time. James Maddison never stood a chance after missing almost the entirety of the term through injury.

Jordan Henderson’s selection has drawn widespread ire. The 35-year-old is not even a guaranteed starter for Brentford, yet Tuchel has included him for his off-field character and leadership. “He’s unlikely to see too much game time, but he’s a valuable presence in the dressing room.” Whether that presence justifies a place is open to debate.

Among those who did make the cut, Kobbie Mainoo’s technical ability and progressive ball-carrying mark him out as a valuable midfield option after his Euro 2024 breakthrough. Ruben Amorim’s handling of the Manchester United youngster briefly threatened his place, but Michael Carrick’s subsequent reinvigoration returned him to consideration.

Eberechi Eze, typically deployed on the left wing for England but by trade an attacking midfielder, and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, a powerful and direct attacking option, offer distinct profiles. Elliot Anderson’s early England impact suggested he can bridge defence and attack, providing the kind of transitional mettle England may need at a major tournament.

Michael Carrick has articulated a clear mandate after being confirmed as Manchester United’s permanent manager. His initial comments underline an awareness of the club’s expectations and of where success must be measured.

In recent years Liverpool have matched United’s record of 20 English league championships. Manchester City have risen to 10 all-time titles, having been on just three when Ferguson lifted his final trophy 13 years ago. Those shifts in the domestic landscape frame the scale of the task Carrick inherits.

United have not been in a position to seriously challenge for a long time, yet the transformation Carrick has overseen since returning to Old Trafford as interim boss in January has been described as monumental. No Premier League team has matched United for Premier League points—36 from a possible 48 across 16 matches—during that period.

“[Winning titles is] where we want to be as a club and it’s not even so much for me. It’d be an incredible thing for me to be able to do, but just to see this club lifting trophies and winning leagues and challenging for Champions Leagues, that’s the buzz,” Carrick said in his first interview with his new title, speaking to ex-teammate Wayne Rooney for a special of the club’s in-house podcast .

“That’s what gets us out of bed every morning and [we want to] enjoy the grind of the summer and come back stronger for next season.”

The expectations at Manchester United remain exacting. Louis van Gaal and José Mourinho did ensure the club lifted three trophies in the first four years after Ferguson’s retirement, but neither came close to winning the Premier League and neither avoided being fired. That history is a reminder of the high bar Carrick must clear if his tenure is to be judged a success.

Carrick’s early record since January gives him a platform. The task now is to convert that momentum into sustained title bids and continental progress while meeting the standards the club and its supporters demand.