Manchester United’s season has been transformed under Michael Carrick, yet the club stands on the brink of another defining summer, with questions over the manager’s future, a major midfield rebuild and high-profile exits all in play.

Carrick’s impact has been immediate. Taking over from Ruben Amorim, he stabilised a drifting side, delivered statement wins over Manchester City and Arsenal and pushed United into a strong position for Champions League qualification. Inside the club, his calm handling of pressure and media scrutiny has impressed senior figures, who see him as a steadying presence after turbulent tenures.

But admiration has not yet translated into a permanent appointment. United’s hierarchy still dream of a proven, trophy-laden coach. With Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti effectively off the market, the shortlist has shifted to the next tier: Unai Emery, Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann. All are respected tacticians, yet only Emery would be widely viewed as an upgrade on Carrick, and his desire for sweeping control over football operations clashes with United’s multi-executive structure led by Jason Wilcox, Christopher Vivell and Omar Berrada.

That structure is already shaping a crucial transfer window. United want two midfielders and a left winger as priorities, plus potentially a backup goalkeeper. Casemiro will depart at the end of his deal, leaving a void in experience and goals from deep. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is the leading midfield target, with Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba also monitored, while Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães are admired but considered financially unrealistic given Newcastle’s stance.

Carrick’s revival of Kobbie Mainoo has eased fears of losing one of the club’s brightest prospects, and United envisage a new-look midfield built around him and two fresh signings, supported by the versatility of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount. Out wide, the search for a left winger continues despite Patrick Dorgu’s emergence, after a failed January move for Antoine Semenyo.

INEOS, still repairing years of poor recruitment, must also cut. United are open to offers for several expensive underperformers, while Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia will leave on free transfers. Harry Maguire may be offered a short, lower-wage extension, though richer, longer deals elsewhere could tempt him away.

The most delicate call concerns captain Bruno Fernandes, who has a release clause and a contract running down. This summer may be United’s last chance to cash in, or his final opportunity to secure a lucrative move, potentially to Saudi Arabia. If Carrick delivers Champions League football, the captain’s decision could define the next phase of United’s rebuild.