29 Apr 2026 07:22 BST |
6 min read
Fabrizio Romano has dropped the latest football transfer news from Manchester United, with major updates on Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and two exits confirmed.
Next Man Utd manager: No change in Carrick stance
Manchester United may have virtually sealed Champions League football next season, but they are not yet ready to officially throw their weight behind Michael Carrick by giving their interim manager a permanent contract.
Romano explained on YouTube: “Manchester United have continued their internal discussions about the managerial position, and what happens next, but at the same time Carrick’s chances of continuing as Man Utd coach and becoming the permanent manager are increasing week after week.
“Why? Because of the excellent relationship with people at the club, with the players, and of course because of the results. What he has been doing in terms of performances and results has been special.”
Bruno Fernandes’ future
Carrick could play a key role in securing the future of Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford, according to Romano, who continued:
“I also wanted to mention Bruno Fernandes, because that shows how important it is to have this kind of manager. Bruno said in an interview with the BBC last week that when Carrick arrived, nobody expected United to be third in the table at this stage. The expectation was for a very difficult second half of the season, but Carrick has brought stability.
“Tactically, he has been perfect. His approach with the dressing room leaders has been perfect. And with Bruno Fernandes, he has an excellent relationship. Bruno is a crucial part of the dressing room, and United believe that Carrick’s work can also help them keep Bruno next season.
“Saudi clubs remain very interested, as they have been for years, but United think Carrick could be an important factor in Bruno staying for Champions League football next season.
“The relationship with key players is clearly fantastic. Look at how Harry Maguire and others are talking about Carrick. That is another very important point.”
Man Utd midfield plans: Casemiro and Ugarte to leave
If Bruno Fernandes is poised to remain at Old Trafford, United face the prospect of losing two other key midfielders, with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte set to depart.
“United will go for at least two midfielders in the summer. Maybe more, but at minimum two,” Romano explained.
“Why? First, Casemiro is expected to leave the club as a free agent. I know it is a romantic story. It has been fantastic to see Casemiro scoring goals, leading the team, fighting for every ball. But at the same time, the plan is still for him to part ways at the end of the season.
“Do not forget my exclusive story from March: Inter Miami are really interested in Casemiro. He is assessing all the possible options for his future, but the expectation remains that he will leave Manchester United. If anything changes, I will update you, but that is not the current indication.
“Then there is Manuel Ugarte. As I told you some time ago in an exclusive story, Ugarte is also expected to leave Manchester United at the end of the season. That remains the plan. There is a very small chance he stays, but at the moment I would say it is 90 to 95 percent likely that he leaves.
“His agent, Jorge Mendes, is already assessing approaches and proposals. There has been interest from Italy and from Turkey, and more clubs could join the race. Nothing is decided yet, but Ugarte is expected to go. So Casemiro is leaving, Ugarte is leaving, and at least two midfielders will come in.”
Mainoo agrees new deal
Kobbie Mainoo has agreed a new deal with the Old Trafford club, with Romano confirming that the “really important” signing will be announced soon.
He explained: “After Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo is now set to sign a new contract at Manchester United. Here we go. The deal is done and agreed, approved by the legal side of the club and the legal side of the agency managing Mainoo.
“It was already very advanced, as I told you some time ago in March. The salary has been agreed, and it is going up. Well deserved for Kobbie Mainoo. It will also be a longer contract, until 2031. So five more years at Old Trafford, and that is very important news for Manchester United.
“I can also tell you that Mainoo was very close to leaving on loan at the end of December. He was never planning to leave permanently because he always wanted to succeed at United, but a loan move was a priority for him at the end of the 2025 window and the start of January 2026. He wanted to play, to grow, to develop.
“Napoli were in very advanced talks to sign him in the final days of December. Then the deal collapsed because Ruben Amorim got sacked and United decided to go all in on Michael Carrick. Carrick showed total trust, giving Mainoo a starting spot in 11 of the last 12 games.
“So the impact has been fantastic. Now he is staying with a new contract, and my understanding is that Mainoo could sign already this week. Then there will be an official statement before the end of the season. But Mainoo is going to be a big part of the Manchester United project, and his new deal is almost signed.”
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