Man Utd news: Michael Carrick told to bring back £72m star as Patrice Evra admits surprise

Manchester United continued their fight for European football with a win over Chelsea at the weekend

Manchester United are still on course for a Premier League top-four finish and Champions League football next season. The Red Devils secured three points with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend, with Matheus Cunha scoring before half-time to confirm the away victory.

United have five games left in the domestic season, with three at Old Trafford, giving them a strong advantage to end the year on a high. Next up is a Monday night fixture against Brentford, allowing for over a week of rest to help injured stars return to the fold.

Michael Carrick will be keen to welcome back some long-term absentees before the campaign's end, including Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt.

Praising his stars for their win over the Blues, the interim manager said: "[The] boys take so much credit for that and the coaches, to be honest, in terms of putting the plan together and adapting over the last couple of days and making sure everyone was in a good place.

"So there's a lot of things to be proud of tonight. We can play a little bit better at times, but I thought it was a game for a result and in the end we managed to find it."

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Here, Mirror Football has the latest coming out of Old Trafford.

Carrick told to recall £72m loanee

Carrick has been told to bring Rasmus Hojlund back into the fold after his successful loan period at Napoli. The young Danish striker, who was signed in 2023 for £72million from Atalanta, has been impressing in Serie A this season.

The 23-year-old has 19 goal contributions this year, and Napoli have an obligation to buy him for a fee of around £38m if they are to qualify for the Champions League. However, Ryan Giggs is adamant that United should give Hojlund another chance at Old Trafford.

When asked if he would want any of the on-loan stars to return permanently, the ex-United man said on Rio Ferdinand Presents: "Maybe Hojlund, maybe. I thought he was unlucky; he was just the only centre forward at the club.

"Everyone expected him to come in and do great. I think Sesko gets more chances and scores more goals. But you never know, if you’ve got two young, hungry centre forwards up front and say fight it out.

"You see, at United, that's always been a strength. I say training is harder than the games, if you’ve United centre halves at one end marking Sesko, it's going to be competitive."

Evra surprised by United star's form

Patrice Evra is surprised at how impressive Matheus Cunha has been for United. The Brazil international was the match-winner on Saturday night, with his solitary goal the difference-maker at Stamford Bridge.

Cunha has 12 goal contributions so far this season and has quickly become a fan favourite at Old Trafford for his celebrations and passion for the club. During an appearance on Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel, the ex-United defender admitted he was stunned by Cunha's creative presence in the team.

Evra said: "[Cunha] I'm really surprised by the way [he has done]. Remember, I talked with you, Rio, before he signed, and you said what you think is that he creates chance as well. Actually, he creates so many chances now."

Ferdinand has always been a fan of the midfielder, admitting back in October 2025 that he believes Cunha can be "unplayable" when he's in full flow.

Speaking after United's win at Anfield, the ex-England international said: "Cunha, I thought, was magnificent. I think as the game went on as well, especially when we needed someone to kind of give us a bit of time and really respite, he was that guy. I just think he’s a wonderful footballer. Once he gets into full flow, I think he’s going to be almost unplayable at times."

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