Man Utd news: Michael Carrick scraps rule as Liverpool raid targeted | Football | Sport

A nearly two-week hiatus without a match is an unusual scenario for Manchester United. However, this is the current situation for the Premier League titans following their exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, coupled with the lack of European football. Despite the likelihood of the season concluding without any trophies, fans remain upbeat due to the significant improvement in performance and results under Michael Carrick since he took over last month.

Guiding his former team to four consecutive victories, including triumphs against Manchester City and Arsenal, their winning streak was halted by a 1-1 draw with West Ham, though the point secured their fourth-place standing. The break has provided players such as Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount the opportunity to regain fitness after injuries, further bolstering United’s pursuit of Champions League qualification. Here, Express Sport take a look at the latest news at Old Trafford…

Carrick abolishes Amorim rule

Morale at Old Trafford has markedly improved since Carrick’s appointment last month. The Englishman has steered the club to four wins out of five, and his influence has been felt both on and off the pitch, seemingly due to the abolition of a rule implemented by Ruben Amorim.

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During the Portuguese head coach’s tenure at United, he prohibited mid-season breaks following the backlash Marcus Rashford and Casemiro received for jetting off to the United States during an international window.

However, Carrick has relaxed his stance with Bruno Fernandes and Senne Lammens both flying out of the country. Given United’s early exit from the FA Cup, the team is currently enjoying a 13-day hiatus, with their next fixture scheduled for February 23 against Everton.

The extended break allowed Lammens to revisit his old club Royal Antwerp over the weekend, with the Belgian side sharing a photo of the 23-year-old at their ground. Club captain Fernandes chose to return to Portugal, where he was seen attending the Pacos de Ferreira versus Torreense match.

Spectacular Liverpool swoop

With midfield reinforcements a priority for United this summer, it’s been revealed that the Red Devils are considering a move for Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister. Despite showing interest in Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, the Argentine is now on Carrick’s radar.

Rumours persist that the 27-year-old, whose contract at Anfield runs until 2028, could depart Merseyside this summer following a challenging individual season.

Should a transfer occur, it would mark the first direct switch between the two rivals since Phil Chisnall traded United for Liverpool in 1964.

It remains uncertain whether Mac Allister would consider departing Arne Slot‘s squad, though the World Cup winner has previously stated his desire to experience Spanish football before hanging up his boots. United are conscious that any audacious move for the midfielder hinges entirely on securing Champions League qualification.

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