Manchester United is gearing up to compete for the Premier League title next season! By saving millions in wages, they are set to strengthen their squad, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe aiming to restore pride.

Manchester United hopes to win the Premier League again before celebrating their 150th anniversary in 2028. A few months ago, this seemed a far-off dream, but under Carrick’s management, the team has made great strides, with supporters already calling for the championship. Actually, if United hadn’t lost 0-1 to a 10-man Everton at the start of the season and had won instead of drawing against lower-ranked teams, they would have a chance to top the standings now.

Against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth, Wolves, and Burnley, Manchester United missed numerous chances and dropped 15 points. If those points were added back, the Red Devils would be ahead of Arsenal in the league table.

Therefore, Manchester United believes that with smart transfers this summer, the team can soon challenge for the title. The players signed this season have already made significant contributions. After Ruben Amorim’s departure, Sheshko scored in two consecutive matches under Darren Fletcher and then netted a winner against Fulham under Carrick; Mbemo and Cunha also scored in back-to-back games; while Sena Ramens, though not flashy, has been consistent and error-free.

During the January transfer window, Carrick took part in several recruitment meetings. He would be pleased if the squad were strengthened, but he knew from the start that he was not the preferred long-term head coach. Consequently, Manchester United decided not to bring in any players on short-term loans to bolster the midfield or attack.

The club intends to reserve all budget for the summer transfer window, when there will be ample wage space to recruit new players. Among the top earners, Casemiro, who earns £350,000 per week, has officially announced his departure; Rashford might transfer to Barcelona for €30 million with a weekly wage of £325,000; and Sancho, earning £250,000 per week, will not have his contract renewed. Alongside players like Malacia, these wage savings amount to nearly £1 million per week!

In contrast, the total weekly wages for the four players signed last summer were just over £400,000. Manchester United’s revised wage structure will be led by captain Bruno Fernandes, who earns £300,000 per week. Other players aiming to reach this level must deliver performances and attendance comparable to Bruno’s standards.

It is widely believed that midfield will be the main focus for signings this summer, but other positions also require adjustments. The backup striker, Zirkzee, needs replacing; both full-back positions require reinforcement; a center-back might be needed; and the club plans to sell André Onana and bring in a backup goalkeeper.

With 14 Premier League matches remaining this season, the battle for Champions League qualification is intensifying, as Liverpool and Chelsea also secured wins last weekend. Securing a Champions League spot is Carrick’s ultimate goal, which will help prove his suitability to continue as Manchester United’s head coach next season. Selecting the right permanent manager is also a crucial factor in the title pursuit.

Professional football is unpredictable. Not long ago, Manchester United seemed hopeless, but suddenly they are only five or six points behind third-placed Aston Villa and second-placed Manchester City, making catching up feasible. If United maintains their momentum and secures a Champions League return next season, they will guarantee over £50 million in revenue. Using these funds wisely makes a title challenge next season a realistic ambition.

David Ornstein, a respected transfer expert from "The Athletic," said: "Manchester United’s summer transfer window may not be as frenetic as some expect, but the club still faces many issues to resolve. With Casemiro’s departure confirmed, reinforcing the central midfield is a priority, hence the ongoing transfer rumors involving Elliott Anderson, Adam Walton, and Carlos Baleba. After missing out on Antonio Semenyo, the left-wing attacking position is also under scrutiny, especially with Rashford and Sancho likely to leave. Defensively, Harry Maguire’s future is uncertain: it is the option year on his contract, he is expected to depart, and no renewal news exists, making the center-back spot a key area to address."

Ornstein added: "The appointment of a new head coach, whether Michael Carrick or someone else, will be one of the biggest stories of 2026. Early signs under Carrick’s leadership have sparked hope among fans and insiders, although it is still in its infancy. As always, actions speak louder than words."

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, recently protested by Manchester United fans outside Old Trafford for mismanaging the club, hopes to redeem himself and build a championship-winning team.