🎧'A lot of responsibility on really young players' published at 14:06 GMT
14:06 GMT
Image source, Getty Images
Will Michael Carrick have to rely on a younger looking defence for Manchester United's upcoming fixtures?
Man Utd have a number of absentees in defence, with England internationals Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw potentially being added to that list after being forced off in their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
That victory made it 11 games unbeaten for the club, however with tough games against Aston Villa and Newcastle next, club reporter Simon Stone believes they may need to rely on a more youthful backline to get results from those games.
"Man Utd have about 15 players that you can really count on and think they can deliver results," he told BBC Radio Manchester's Devils' Advocate podcast.
"We've been trying to badger Carrick into telling us what's wrong with Matthijs de Ligt and how long he'll be out, he's probably not going to be back before the international break so we can forget about that.
"Once you start to delve into a situation where Patrick Dorgu isn't there, we don't know what Luke Shaw will be like, Lisandro Martinez out.
"That is weakening the core squad. If Harry Maguire isn't fit, then you're probably looking at Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro.
"Heaven did quite well in a three-man defence, but if you only have those two, it's putting a lot of responsibility on really young players."
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Carrick remaining realistic over overhauling Arsenalpublished at 09:53 GMT
09:53 GMT
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Matheus Cunha after scoring the winner for Manchester United at Arsenal in January
Can Manchester United really catch Arsenal?
It is a question that keeps being asked by United fans amid the club's current impressive form under head coach Michael Carrick.
Deep down, most realise it is virtually impossible but there is a feeling among some United supporters that Arsenal crumble under pressure and therefore it cannot completely be ruled out, even though the present gap is 13 points, although United do have a game in hand.
Many have not forgotten in 2012, their own side had an eight-point lead on Manchester City with six games left and ended up losing the title to Sergio Aguero's memorable injury-time goal.
Part of that collapse did include a City win over United and Carrick's side do not have to play the Gunners again.
The question was put to Carrick ahead of the trip to Newcastle.
It would have been defeatist to say it can't happen. But he thinks the odds are stacked against United.
"Listen, you can't rule anything out in football, but we've got to be realistic," he said.
"We've just got to try and keep winning games and see.
"Above us now there's two fantastic teams and there's some really good teams in and around us.
"We've had a good run but we're certainly not getting carried away.
"You've got to be patient but you've also got to live in the moment a little bit.
"Wherever that's going to take us, we'll just have to see. But we'll keep pushing anyway."
For now, Champions League qualification remains the primary target.
Newcastle United v Manchester United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 09:09 GMT
09:09 GMT
Chris Adams BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United may have progressed into the knockout stages in Europe but their league form has fallen off a cliff as they prepare for Wednesday night's (20:15 GMT) clash with a Manchester United side who are unbeaten in 11 top-flight games.
The Magpies have lost five of their last six in the Premier League, including each of their last three at St James' Park – the first time that's happened since February 2021 under Steve Bruce.
Magpies flapping
Over the last six games, Newcastle are second-bottom of the form table, earning fewer points than the three clubs in the relegation zone. Only crisis-hit Tottenham Hotspur have fared worse in that timeframe.
It's a dip that's seen them drop from ninth to 13th in the table ahead of a busy March schedule that includes an FA Cup fifth round meeting with Manchester City and both legs of the Champions League last 16 tie with La Liga frontrunners Barcelona.
Head coach Eddie Howe has struggled to find the right balance in attack in recent weeks, with club record signing Nick Woltemade playing in a deeper role and Anthony Gordon struggling to replicate his excellent European form on the domestic front.
Last week's 3-2 defeat by Everton was the second game in a row in which Woltemade failed to register a touch in the opposition box, sparking a debate about how best to use the 6ft 5in Germany international forward.
One crumb of comfort for the Toon Army is their side's recent record in this exact fixture. Newcastle have come out on top in their last three home league games against the Red Devils, as many as they won in their previous 18.
Carrick back at his boyhood club
Michael Carrick may have grown up supporting Newcastle United, but his colours are now firmly nailed to the mast at Old Trafford.
Sunday's win over Crystal Palace means the Manchester United head coach is unbeaten in nine Premier League games across two spells, equalling the best start by a boss in the competition's history.
Ange Postecoglou's reign at Spurs began with 26 points from 10 games, which Carrick could match with victory in the North East on Wednesday.
Six wins from seven since taking charge again in January have lifted the Reds to third in the table at the end of a matchweek for the first time since May 2023 and Champions League football looks a realistic prospect once again.
Benajmin Sesko's contributions off the bench earned him a start against Palace and he duly rewarded Carrick with a fine header to win the game. Seven goals in his last eight appearances mean no Premier League player has scored more in domestic competitions since the turn of the year.
It was Bruno Fernandes who provided the cross for Sesko's winner against the Eagles; the Portuguese playmaker's 13th league assist of the season. The United captain is closing in on David Beckham's club record of 15 assists in the 1999-00 league season.
That comeback victory over Palace means the Red Devils have recovered nine points from losing positions in 2026, more than any other side. They have only lost one of the last eight league matches in which they have fallen behind (won three, drawn four), having lost 10 of their previous 13 when trailing (drawing three).
Sutton's predictions: Newcastle v Man Utdpublished at 08:10 GMT
08:10 GMT
Newcastle United's inconsistency struck again in Saturday's home defeat by Everton, and who knows which team will turn up here.
Manchester United were not great against Crystal Palace either, when they needed a penalty and Maxence Lacroix's red card to really change the game, but they still found a way to win it.
Benjamin Sesko suddenly looks like a handful for Michael Carrick's side - he is big and physical and scored a brilliant header against Palace - so Newcastle will have to deal with him.
It is hard to call this one but there have been so many great games between these two sides down the years, and this could be another classic.
Gossip: Manchester United prepared to offer Fernandes £400,000 a weekpublished at 07:11 GMT
07:11 GMT
Manchester United are prepared to offer Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes an improved deal worth up to £400,000 a week - but the 31-year-old will base a decision on his Old Trafford future on whether the club qualify for the Champions League. (Mirror), external
England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo's long-term future at Manchester United is still up in the air as talks over a new contract for the 20-year-old drag on. (Mail - subscription required), external
Carrick determined not to look too far aheadpublished at 15:13 GMT 3 March
15:13 GMT 3 March
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Michael Carrick has enjoyed a phenomenal start to his second stint in charge of Manchester United, racking up six wins and a draw from his first seven games.
At some stage, he knows there is bound to be a defeat or a 'blip'.
The key is to make sure it does not become an extended sequence of negative results.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer started his time in charge of United in 2018-19 with eight successive wins. He ended the same season with eight defeats in 12 matches.
When Carrick took over at Middlesbrough in 2022, he won 15 of his first 21 games. He ended in with two wins in 10 as Boro crashed out at the play-off semi-final stage.
It is the kind of form reversal United need to avoid as they chase a spot in next season's Champions League, especially as, after Wednesday's trip to Newcastle, they have a home game against fellow European qualification hopefuls Aston Villa, and also have matches against Chelsea and Liverpool to come.
Carrick, typically, is not looking too far ahead.
"I'm always learning things as you go through and [things] you could have done a little bit better," he said.
"There is a lot of context, with different players and what the games look like.
"It's not so much guarding against it, it's living in the moment, keeping grounded and understanding what it takes to win games.
"We won't get carried away. You have to feed off the confidence and understand that runs of wins are hard to come by. We're hungry for more and want it for as long as it will last."
Carrick on defenders, corners and confidencepublished at 14:04 GMT 3 March
14:04 GMT 3 March
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Newcastle at St James' Park (kick-off 20:15 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Defenders Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire could both be fit after going off in the win over Crystal Palace. "It wasn't injury, both weren't feeling too good," said Carrick. "We'll see how they are. We're hoping so, we're working towards it."
On their improved form, he said: "I wouldn't use the word surprise, we always strive to win games. Football is a tough game to get results. I'm always learning, things that you could have done a little bit better. It's not so much guarding against it, it's living in the moment, keep grounded with understanding what it takes to win games. We won't get carried away, you have to feed off the confidence and understand that runs of wins are hard to come by. We're hungry for more and want it for as long as it will last."
On Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, Carrick said: "I have a huge amount of respect for Eddie and his staff. I know some of them particularly well. Being from there originally, I have kept a close eye on them. Eddie has done a great job with the success he has brought to the club and the feeling he has created around the whole area. He's a top man and a top coach."
Carrick said grappling at set-pieces has "gone too far", adding: "It wasn't long ago we were told you couldn't lay a hand on anyone in the box and we were told it would be clamped down. It's crept in, the success of corners and being able to put bodies close together has made more teams do it. As a game, it doesn't feel like we've got that balance right."
The boss again praised captain Bruno Fernandes: "There isn't a lot more I can add with Bruno, he's been here for such a long period of time, he's had success in different ways, shown what he is all about, taking responsibility in showing up in the ups and the downs. That sums up Bruno and his character and consistency. He's been a major plus and a fantastic signing since he came in. I'm sure that will continue."
Is Maguire a Man Utd injury concern for Newcastle trip?published at 12:12 GMT 3 March
12:12 GMT 3 March
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire (centre) speaks to head coach Michael Carrick after coming off towards the end of the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford
There was some questioning about why Luke Shaw went off at Old Trafford on Sunday but nothing about Harry Maguire, who was replaced by Ayden Heaven five minutes from the end of the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace.
Maguire went straight to the dressing rooms accompanied by United physios.
With Matthijs de Ligt out with a back injury and Lisandro Martinez sidelined with a calf problem, the last thing Michael Carrick will want will be to lose another experienced central defender for tomorrow's trip to Newcastle.
Heaven is 19 and has been on the field for seven minutes under Carrick. Leny Yoro is 20 and the Palace game was his first start under Carrick.
It will be interesting to see if the United head coach offers a substantive update when he speaks to the media at 13:30 GMT.
'If Man Utd stay above Villa, Champions League football will return'published at 08:28 GMT 3 March
08:28 GMT 3 March
Alex Turk Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
With 10 games of the Premier League season left, there is a growing narrative that Manchester United are the 'favourites' in the ongoing top-five race.
That prospect did not even exist just two months ago when Michael Carrick took charge.
Now, I refuse to believe that United are favourites in a battle against Champions League stalwarts Chelsea and Premier League champions Liverpool.
However, Sunday's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace put the Red Devils into pole position. Third in the Premier League for the first time since 2023.
And that, as well as the events of two nights prior, confirmed something for me. United's path to a Champions League return is not what we thought it was. That's where Aston Villa come into it.
For months, it has been believed that Villa, along with Arsenal and Manchester City, were the untouchable top three.
That was a fair presumption, given Unai Emery's men were 11 points ahead of United when Carrick arrived.
The debate has been over who will miss out in sixth between United, Liverpool and Chelsea. But it feels like the route has become less daunting.
I am now confident in saying that if United can stay above Villa, regardless of how Chelsea and Liverpool fare, Champions League football will return to M16.
After winning a stunning 12 games out of 13 to propel themselves into the conversation, Villa have just three victories in their past 10.
All season, xG merchants have been telling us that Villa are wildly over-performing based on the quality of the chances they create.
The number of matches they were winning by just one goal suggested the same. It is now levelling itself out, and United are capitalising.
There will come a point when Emery can't stop the rot in the Premier League and all focus turns towards the Europa League.
Not only is the prize silverware, but also Champions League football. That will work massively in Europe-less United's favour.
Right now, United are above all three rivals, and it's hard to imagine Villa, at least, reclaiming their advantage come May.
Gossip: Man Utd keen on Guimaraes as Casemiro replacementpublished at 06:55 GMT 3 March
06:55 GMT 3 March
Manchester United want Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, 28, to replace Casemiro this summer - with the 34-year-old midfielder endorsing his Brazil team-mate. (AS), external
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has been added to the shortlist for the next manager at Old Trafford. (Football Insider), external
Finally, Barcelona are ready to pay United the fee they want to turn Marcus Rashford's loan move into a permanent one. (Mirror), external
Chido Obi and Aljofree suffer head injuries in defeat by Chelseapublished at 06:35 GMT 3 March
06:35 GMT 3 March
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter at Leigh Sports Village
Image source, Getty Images
Two Manchester United players had to be substituted after suffering first-half blows to the head during the Premier League 2 defeat by Chelsea at Leigh Sports Village.
In front of watching United boss Michael Carrick and his coaching team, striker Chido Obi was treated on the pitch for five minutes after a clearance from visitors keeper Max Merrick struck him at full speed on the top of the head.
The Denmark youth international was eventually able to walk slowly to the dressing rooms.
Later in the half, United skipper Sonny Aljofree clashed heads with Chelsea defender Justin Osagie.
Both players received treatment on the field but while Osagie continued, Alofree was replaced.
It led to an additional 14 minutes being played at the end of the opening period.
Referee Stuart Morland also had to be replaced at the break after picking up an injury.
An extra eight minutes were added on to the second half after further injuries, including one towards the end of the game for United's England Under-17 international Bendito Mantato, which meant the home side finished with 10 men.
The injuries did not help United as first-half goals from Chelsea captain Shumaira Mheuka, his 21st of the season, and Leo Cardoso secured a victory for the Blues that took them top of the table.
'Lacroix should let Cunha go'published at 16:04 GMT 2 March
16:04 GMT 2 March
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United's penalty and consequent Crystal Palace red card for Maxence Lacroix in Sunday's fixture at Old Trafford formed part of the debate on the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
Ex-Premier League striker Clinton Morrison said: "Lacroix, when he looks at it, should just let him go. I can understand why the penalty is given. My take on it is, the ball is getting away from Cunha and Henderson is closer. It should be a penalty, but a red card?
"If, as a striker, I am not getting to the ball, I am going to go down. I'm getting a penalty and Lacroix sent off. I've been in situations and instantly you just react and pull on the shirt."
The latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's Devils' Advocate podcast has landed.
Hosts Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath are joined by BBC Sport's Manchester United reporter Simon Stone to discuss the club's league position and the job Michael Carrick has done so far.
or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Dalot backs fellow early bird Sesko to be Man Utd successpublished at 13:41 GMT 2 March
13:41 GMT 2 March
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot (right) congratulates Benjamin Sesko following his recent match winner at Everton
Diogo Dalot has struck up a close bond with fellow 'early bird' Benjamin Sesko and feels the forward is heading in the right direction to be a success at Manchester United.
Sesko took his tally to seven goals in eight games with the winner against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
The Slovenian has scored crucial goals in the last three games that have propelled United to third spot in the Premier League.
Dalot feels Sesko is getting deserved reward for the hard work he is putting in on the training ground and has seen at close quarters how the £73.7m summer signing from RB Leipzig has adapted to life at one of the world's biggest clubs.
"He's an early bird as well, so the first few weeks we were coming into Carrington at the same time and we created this bond," he said.
"We both have very similar ways of behaving and thinking, so it became a natural relationship, that sometimes helps you to adapt more quickly to a new environment, a new league and a new country.
"He's a very humble kid and always tries to be the best version of himself.
"He has come to a big club with big expectations, in a very important position for our team.
"I think he's on the right path. Fortunately, and unfortunately, strikers sometimes live by goals. He's in a good run, so we're very happy with him."
Duncan: Unconvincing and strangely lacklustre, but still got the job done. It's not an easy run-in, so we shouldn't take Champions League for granted. The whole coaching team clearly suits the players, and we should keep them next season.
Gordon: A times flat and lacked creativity in first half - very predictable. The penalty was the major change and a good second goal but again didn't kick on and finish the game. Three points but room for considerable improvement
Patrick: This the United I've been waiting to see since Sir Alex's retirement. We're playing as a team, refusing to give up, even when down, confident, and have quality throughout the team. Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko have made a huge difference, and Maguire is finally, the talismanic defender we hope he would be. Fergie would be proud to manage this team. We remain a work in progress, my optimism feels apt at this point. As to the Glazers and Ratcliffe, carbuncles that need lancing. Our debt burden is worrying.
Mattie: There's only one Michael Carrick!
Crystal Palace fans
Ron: What a footballing disgrace. This referee has already proved he's not up to it. Never a penalty and never a red card. Palace played well and deserved a draw. Whoever goes to Old Trafford seems to play against twelve men. Canvot had another good game and is improving all the time. Strand Larsen and Johnson again were very disappointing. They need to find the right space to receive the ball which is badly lacking. It makes you wonder what they do in training.
James: This felt as if palace were 0-1 up when it was 11 vs 11, but 2-0 down when it was our ten vs eleven. Given a week ago we didn't look to be able to beat a wolves 11, this feels an improvement especially in how fluid we were with 11, the next challenge is remain with 11, and then we can look up the table and progress further in the conference.
Adrian: Better rhythm and confidence. We possibly play better against the stronger sides, rather than those who play a low block. It probably was a penalty despite starting outside the box and the guy throwing himself to the floor. But the red card was a clear and obvious error and should be overturned on appeal.
Mike: Very poor refereeing decision cost us today. Not even a foul, let alone a penalty or a red card. Any where else on the pitch that goes unnoticed.
Missing out on Europe a Champions League motivation - Dalotpublished at 12:00 GMT 2 March
12:00 GMT 2 March
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Missing out on European football this season has fuelled the desire to return Manchester United to the Champions League, says full-back Diogo Dalot.
The comeback victory over 10-man Crystal Palace at Old Trafford strengthened United's chances of finishing in the top five, which would almost certainly be enough, as they are now six points ahead of Chelsea with 10 games remaining.
Dalot says it is campaigns like this one, when United have no European distractions for only the second time since 1990 and were also beaten at the first stage of both domestic cups, that provide a sharp reminder of what is being missed.
"Seasons like this are good for you to know that when you're playing Europa League, and especially Champions League, those are the best years, those are best seasons," said the Portugal defender.
"This year, we play a maximum of 40 games because we came out of the cups at an early stage. That is nowhere near what the club should be, and the competitions that we should play in.
"It [Champions League qualification] is the main goal and I really believe we're going to do it - but we cannot take it for granted. We need to put the club back in there."
United go to Newcastle on 4 March and then have a crucial game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on 15 March.
The penalty controversy published at 11:04 GMT 2 March
11:04 GMT 2 March
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Oliver Glasner was left frustrated at how Crystal Palace had twice led Manchester United at half-time this season and ended up with nothing on both occasions.
To him, this one hinged on the moment 11 minutes into the second half when Palace goalscorer Maxence Lacroix made a grab for Matheus Cunha. The initial contact was certainly outside the box, but continued into it and the United forward flung himself to the floor.
Referee Chris Kavanagh gave the penalty and, after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, sent Frenchman Lacroix off.
Glasner described it as the 'Old Trafford bounce'.
"It's a very hard decision because the foul started outside the box and usually the foul has to be given where it starts," he said.
"On the other side, Matheus Cunha was very smart to wait until he's inside the box to fall.
"Maybe he could have conceded the red card with the foul outside the box, this is what you can discuss, but it's where the foul starts. Maybe it was the Old Trafford bounce."
While Glasner felt it was a 'home' decision, vastly experienced former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann said the ruling was right.
"Kavanagh took his time and used all his experience to rightly ascertain that contact continued inside the penalty area and awarded a penalty kick," he added.
"The red-card sanction was also the correct outcome. The law states 'where a player commits an offence against an opponent within their own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goalscoring opportunity, and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offender must be sent off if the offence is for holding or pulling'."
Gossip: Bayindir set for summer exitpublished at 06:53 GMT 2 March
06:53 GMT 2 March
Manchester United keeper Altay Bayindir is expected to leave the club in the summer, with Besiktas a possible destination. (Football Insider), external
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has agreed to his wages being reduced while also foregoing some bonuses in an effort to make his loan move from United to Barcelona permanent. (Teamtalk), external
Image source, Getty Images
