Since Michael Carrick took up his position in the Manchester United dugout for a second spell as interim manager in January, no club has won more Premier League points than the Red Devils. While Ruben Amorim’s tenure suggested United were still a long way from recapturing their former glory, the club’s retired midfielder appears to have found an instant cure for many of their not-too-distant fragilities.

Carrick has brought a clear identity to United’s tactical setup, helped restore a feel-good factor around M16, and has subsequently earned the right to be appointed for football’s most stressful job on a long-term basis. The feeling now, however, is that rougher waters may still lie ahead, especially if the current form proves to be nothing more than a honeymoon period.

Regardless, times at the Theatre of Dreams are exciting once again, and this summer the new boss will have the opportunity to shape a squad more in his image. With that in mind, Carrick’s five-player wishlist has emerged this week, along with the four players reportedly set to be put up for sale when the transfer window opens on June 15.

The 5 Signings Carrick Wants to Make At Man United this Summer

The acquisition of Atalanta midfielder Ederson should help United fill the void left by Casemiro’s contract expiry. However, that area of the pitch remains the club’s biggest area for improvement, and it is expected that Carrick won’t rest on his laurels until he has added at least a couple more assets to his engine room, especially given the uncertain futures of several players currently operating in that position.

According to the Mirror, United hold a strong interest in Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, with it appearing that stability is the order of the day in the middle of the pitch. Elliot Anderson has also been linked, although it appears Manchester City have stolen a march in the race for his signature.

What’s more, a striker is also firmly on the club’s radar following the confirmation of Rasmus Hojlund’s permanent departure from Old Trafford, with the in-form Benjamin Sesko needing competition. Meanwhile, a left-back remains on the shopping list, with Newcastle star Lewis Hall emerging as a potential target.

Four Man United Players Put Up For Sale

United are also set to see more major names leave, which will free up spots in their squad and also raise funds for their transfer plans as they continue to shoulder the burdens of debt left behind by the Glazer family.

Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana are up for sale, whilst Casemiro has left following the expiry of his contract. Jadon Sancho, who spent an unspectacular season on loan at Aston Villa last time out, is another player who will exit on a free.

With these departures, it is expected that Carrick will continue to use the club’s famed academy to its full potential, with the 44-year-old having given opportunities to Shea Lacy last term, as well as playing a pivotal role in the club’s reconciliation plans to bring Kobbie Mainoo back into the picture. Whereas his predecessor neglected youth, Carrick’s reliance on it has paid dividends so far.

Liverpool have opened talks to secure a new signing, with the Reds in a strong position to secure his signature, according to David Ornstein.

The Reds are preparing for a busy summer transfer window after a disappointing 2025/2026 season. They are set to enter a new era under Andoni Iraola, who has agreed a deal to take over from Arne Slot as manager, GIVEMESPORT understands.

Liverpool do have a task on their hands in the upcoming window, with a number of players already confirmed to be leaving the club.

Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, and Ibrahima Konate will all depart Anfield following the expiration of their contracts.

All three have been key players for Liverpool over the years, so it could be a busy few months for the Liverpool hierarchy.

Liverpool Open Transfer Talks

According to Ornstein, Liverpool have now opened talks to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with their pursuit stepping up.

It’s claimed that contact has been made with the Bundesliga club, and Liverpool are in the strongest position to secure his signature despite Leipzig being unwilling to sell.

Diomande, who has been described as ‘outrageous’, also has interest from Paris Saint-Germain, but they are not currently as advanced as Liverpool.

The young winger could slot in and replace Mohamed Salah, but it’s going to be an expensive deal to do.

The report claims that it would take a bid in excess of £112 million for Leipzig to part ways.

When the draw was made for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Scotland fans were handed a familiar name to contend with.

The Scots made it back to international football’s biggest stage for the first time in 28 years after beating Denmark 4-2 in their final qualifying match. It was a match they had little room for slip-ups in, with a loss or a draw meaning they’d have to win their way through further matches in the playoffs to secure qualification – something Denmark weren’t so lucky in getting through.

Brazil, the five-time world champions, are one of the most iconic footballing nations on the planet, and an opponent Scotland know all too well from their World Cup history.

The two sides have met at the tournament on four previous occasions, each one a chapter in a long-running story that’s featured some of the most legendary players both nations have ever produced. From the Brazilian sides packed with players like Zico, Socrates, Dunga and Ronaldo, to Scotland squads built around the likes of Billy Bremner, Kenny Dalglish, and John Collins.

Scotland return to the World Cup stage in Group C this summer. They’ll play Haiti, followed by a tough match-up against Morocco, before facing the Selecao for the fifth time at a World Cup in the last match of the group, one that might require them to take points from Carlo Ancelotti’s men in order to progress from the group stage for the first time ever.

Before that showdown in Miami on the 24th of June, here’s a look back at every time these two sides have met at a World Cup.

1

1974 – West Germany

Scotland 0-0 Brazil

Scotland’s first World Cup encounter with Brazil came in 1974, and it was a physical, tense affair that produced no goals but plenty of drama.

The match featured some of the great names of 1970s football, Jairzinho and Rivelino lining up for the world champions, with Billy Bremner, Kenny Dalglish, and Peter Lorimer representing the Scots, yet the game descended into a grinding battle rather than a showcase of talent. Scotland stood firm throughout and came away with a hard-fought point against the reigning world champions, drawing 0-0. The result left them well-placed to qualify from the group, but a 1-1 draw against Yugoslavia was ultimately not enough. Scotland went home having not lost a single game, the cruel victim of goal difference.

2

1982 – Spain

Scotland 1-4 Brazil

The 1982 meeting in Seville is one of the most memorable Scotland have ever played at a World Cup, for the most bittersweet of reasons.

David Narey‘s thunderous long-range strike gave Scotland a shock early lead, silencing a Brazilian side containing some of the finest attacking talent the game has ever seen. Zico, Socrates and Falcao were all in that squad, and they responded brilliantly. Zico levelled before half-time, and the floodgates opened in the second half with goals from Oscar, Eder, and a late Falcao strike completing a 4-1 win. Narey’s goal has passed into Scottish folklore, even though what happened after wasn’t quite as memorable.

3

1990 – Italy

Scotland 0-1 Brazil

Italia ’90 began in the worst way possible for Scotland, losing their opening group game to Costa Rica. They redeemed themselves with a 2-1 win over Sweden, meaning their final encounter with Brazil in Turin was a must-win.

It was a tight and tense match, with Scotland defending resolutely against a Brazilian side that included Romario and Dunga in their starting lineup. Scotland goalkeeper Jim Leighton made a series of important saves to keep his side in the contest, but when Muller came off the bench and capitalised on a parry from Leighton in the 81st minute, Scotland’s World Cup dream was effectively over. The 1-0 defeat, combined with Costa Rica’s win over Sweden elsewhere in the group, confirmed Scotland’s exit at the group stage yet again.

4

1998 – France

Scotland 1-2 Brazil

Scotland’s most recent World Cup meeting with Brazil, and arguably the most dramatic, came in the opening game of the 1998 tournament at the Stade de France.

Brazil, featuring Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and Rivaldo, were overwhelming favourites, but Scotland more than matched them for long periods. An early Brazilian goal was cancelled out by a composed John Collins penalty, and for a period Scotland dared to dream. It was not to be. A Tommy Boyd own goal sealed defeat for the Scots, with the ball deflecting cruelly off his chest from a saved Cafu shot. Scotland went on to be eliminated in the group stage with just a point, and it would be 28 years before they returned to a World Cup.

5

2026 – United States, Canada, Mexico

Scotland’s long-awaited return to the World Cup sees them drawn against Brazil once again, with the two sides set to meet in what will be the final group game for both nations.

Depending on how the earlier fixtures against Haiti and Morocco go, it could be a match with enormous implications for Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Both sides have stars of their own. Neymar, Vinicius Junior and co, as ever, come into the tournament as one of the favourites, while Andy Roberson, Scott McTominay and John McGinn will all be hoping that 28 years of Scottish pain can be put to rest.

Scotland’s record vs Brazil at the World Cup