Interim manager Michael Carrick has breathed new life into Manchester United upon his return to Old Trafford, reinvigorating several perennial strugglers.
Although West Ham United ended Carrick’s flawless record in his first four Premier League games in charge of the club, the 1-1 draw at the London Stadium was enough to keep the Red Devils in the top four.
Three potential England internationals found themselves in the starting line-up in that match, including Kobbie Mainoo, who has undergone a renaissance under Carrick.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire suffered a knock in the second half, forcing the 44-year-old manager to take him off in favour of Leny Yoro, while casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming international break.
Thomas Tuchel’s men begin preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup next month with a pair of friendlies against Japan and Uruguay, looking to build on a perfect qualifying campaign.
England cruised to the top spot in Group K, winning all eight matches by an aggregate score of 22-0 to become the first European side to play at least six qualifiers in a single campaign and win them all without conceding a single goal.
Seeking their first World Cup triumph since 1966, the Three Lions head into the tournament as 11/2 favourites to claim the trophy, with only reigning European champions Spain (9/2) priced shorter in the outright betting.
After landing in Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, the Euro 2024 runners-up look strong favourites to finish top, with bookmakers offering 3/10 on that outcome.
Several Man Utd stars are hoping to represent their country at the most prestigious international tournament in the summer, as we take a closer look at who could earn a spot in Tuchel’s squad.
Harry Maguire
Despite his largely disappointing stint at Old Trafford, Maguire has been England’s defensive cornerstone for years, emerging as one of the team’s most consistent centre-backs under former boss Gareth Southgate.
However, things have changed for the 32-year-old since Tuchel’s arrival.
Indeed, the ex-Chelsea manager has left the former United captain out of his squad in the last two international windows, with Maguire’s most recent call-up dating back to September.
Maguire has turned his fortunes around under Carrick and will stake his claim for a recall ahead of March’s friendlies amid talks he could pen a new contract in Manchester.
According to The Sun, the former Leicester City defender enjoys the overwhelming support of the dressing room, with the club still undecided about extending his expiring deal.
Luke Shaw
Like Maguire, Luke Shaw has shown plenty of promise at the beginning of Carrick’s tenure, which could increase his chances of returning to the national team for the first time since Euro 2024.
Djed Spence and Dan Burn were fighting for the left-back spot during the last international break, as Tuchel refused to include the 30-year-old in his squad despite his long-standing role as an England stalwart.
Shaw’s experience and big-game pedigree may ultimately tilt the balance in his favour as Tuchel weighs up his options, but the former Southampton man must maintain his current form.
He has been indispensable for Man Utd this season, making 26 starts in the Premier League while often offering defensive solidity alongside attacking thrust down the left.
Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford appeared uncertain after Ruben Amorim sidelined him from his project, sparking rumours of a potential winter exit.
However, Carrick has thrown the 20-year-old midfielder a lifeline, re-establishing him as a key figure in United’s midfield set-up.
Indeed, he recently praised the club’s academy graduate for ‘doing a terrific job’ after failing to start a single Premier League game in the first half of the season.
Widely considered among England’s brightest prospects, Mainoo could make his long-awaited return to the national team.
His last call-up came in September 2024, but a string of impressive performances under Carrick could see him force his way back into the squad.
2026-02-16 07:00:00
