Man Utd confirm arrangements for first game of next permanent manager

Manchester United have enjoyed a positive time of things under new boss Michael Carrick but it appears that attention is already turning to next season amid the search for a more permanent option

Manchester United’s new manager could oversee his first game in Helsinki as the club continues to put plans for next season together. The Red Devils remain on the hunt for a new permanent boss despite Michael Carrick’s excellent impact.

The former midfielder replaced Ruben Amorim until the end of the season earlier this month and has impressed, having beaten Manchester City and Arsenal. However, the plan remains for Carrick to step aside ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

And despite having not yet found the man to take the reins, plans are already being put in place for next season. According to The Sun, United chiefs are set to organise pre-season games in both Helsinki and Gothenburg.

Talks remain ongoing but plans are seemingly close to being finalised. United usually visit the USA for a lucrative pre-season tour, but with the World Cup being held in the country, as well as Mexico and Canada, it appears that the plan has been changed.

READ MORE: Michael Carrick tipped to end up at rival club after being told he won’t get Man Utd jobREAD MORE: Michael Carrick’s next test for Man Utd board as Gary Lineker says ‘sign the contract’

FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

Should everything be organised as expected, the games may represent the first chance for the new United boss to run the rule over their side. Scandinavia is not an unfamiliar place to the Red Devils, having kicked off their pre-season calendar there against Leeds United last season, while they took on Turkish giants Galatasaray in Gothenburg in 2016.

And while the pre-season calendar is taking shape, United will certainly be keen on finishing off the current campaign positively. The Red Devils currently sit fourth in the table ahead of this weekend’s clash with Fulham.

Carrick has been told that a spot in the Champions League is a target for the club between now and May. Asked how he has found his spell in charge so far, he replied: “I’m enjoying it. It’s a fantastic position to be in. What happens next: I’m not going to be answering it every week. I’m enjoying it and I’ll continue to do what I can.”

Who should be Man United’s next manager? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Meanwhile, defender Harry Maguire was full of praise for Carrick and the work he has done following the win against Arsenal. He said: “Michael’s come in, he’s been brilliant with us, he’s brought a fresh energy, the group’s really galvanised.”

Despite Carrick’s impressive stint so far, a number of high-profile managers have been linked with the job. England boss Thomas Tuchel is on the club’s shortlist alongside Mauricio Pochettino and Carlo Ancelotti.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£49

£35

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.