Michael Carrick confirmed he remains deeply involved in Manchester United's recruitment preparations for next season, even while his own tenure as head coach remains undecided. Since replacing Ruben Amorim in January, Carrick has stabilized the dressing room, pushing the club firmly back into the Champions League conversation. His active participation in squad decisions suggests internal confidence regarding his continued role.

Carrick’s influence extends to contract management; he helped finalize the new one-year extension for defender Harry Maguire this week, working alongside chief executive Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox. The manager stated clearly that decisions must be made regardless of his personal situation, asserting, "I'm here to take care of that." This administrative involvement contrasts with the ongoing wait for his permanent confirmation.

Personnel management also involves extreme caution regarding player fitness. Carrick urged patience concerning Lisandro Martínez’s return from a calf issue, stating he will only select the Argentinian when fully ready, prioritizing the long-term picture over the immediate fixture against Leeds. Should Martínez be excluded, United faces fielding young centre-backs Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.

Further injury updates confirm Diogo Dalot is expected back after illness, while Matthijs de Ligt continues rehabilitation away from the squad in Manchester. Patrick Dorgu has not recovered sufficiently from his hamstring strain to feature in the next match. Carrick is managing immediate needs while actively shaping the personnel for the 2026/27 campaign.