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Michael Carrick leads race for Manchester United job, Marcus Rashford faces pay cut before Barcelona switch - Paper Round
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Published 20/02/2026 at 23:24 GMT
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Michael Carrick is now the prime candidate to be appointed as permanent Manchester United head coach in the summer, while Chelsea trio Enzo Fernandez, Levi Colwill and Moises Caicedo could be due new deals in the coming months at Stamford Bridge. Casemiro is in demand ahead of his departure from Old Trafford and Marcus Rashford is still wanted by Barcelona.
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Carrick leads race for Man Utd job
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick is now a leading candidate for the permanent role at Old Trafford, according to the i Paper.
Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique, Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto De Zerbi and Oliver Glasner have all dropped back in recent weeks.
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The paper explains: "The i Paper has been told that Carrick now stands as good a chance as any candidate of getting the job on a permanent basis.
"Thomas Tuchel was one of the United hierarchy’s top picks. The German is more combative than some senior figures would ideally choose, but his track record, especially in the short term, was more than appealing. His new England contract takes him out of the running.
"Sources in Paris have been adamant all along, however, that Enrique will instead sign a new deal in the French capital. It is understood that new deal is now close to being agreed.
"Sources in South America have also said Carlo Ancelotti is about to commit his future to the Brazil national team, too, taking another marquee name off United’s list. That deal is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
"Other elite coaches who could be approached remain. Roberto De Zerbi is another top pick, but he is understood to be under serious consideration for the permanent Tottenham job, a role he is keen on.
"Some in the United hierarchy have doubts over Oliver Glasner, fearing he is of the same level as Amorim when he was appointed."
Chelsea trio may get new contracts
Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill may all soon be in line for new contracts at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have a policy of long-term contracts for new signings but improvements in form means they could offer up fresh deals.
The Athletic writes: "This is part of the reality that Chelsea’s contract strategy must now reckon with; sources speaking under the condition of anonymity to preserve relationships, like all of those spoken to for this article, have told The Athletic that several senior players, including Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, are keen to negotiate improved terms with the club.
"Fernandez and Caicedo are on the contracts they signed when joining Chelsea in 2023 for nine-figure transfer fees. Both have since blossomed into key starters whose performances have justified the vast outlay, with Fernandez becoming vice-captain and Caicedo being voted the club’s player of the season in 2025.
"Levi Colwill, whose current deal runs until 2029 with Chelsea retaining an option to trigger a one-year extension to 2030, is another who had established himself as a prime candidate for a new contract before a tear in his left anterior cruciate ligament in August made his recovery the priority."
Clubs queue up for Casemiro
Casemiro’s expected departure from Manchester United this summer has seen clubs move for the Brazilian.
Inter Miami are one such club but Porto, Sao Paulo, and Saudi Arabian sides are also keen.
The Sun states: "Casemiro has drawn interest from Inter Miami and his boyhood club in Brazil.
"Miami are one of several clubs weighing up a move for the former Real Madrid midfielder.
"The five-time Champions League winner has also drawn interest from FC Porto and Sao Paulo, who he joined as a schoolboy and turned pro.
"Sao Paulo are set to offer Casemiro a two-year deal with an option to work for the club at the end of his contract.
"Saudi Arabia is also an option and his current form shows he still has plenty to offer in slower-tempo matches."
Rashford faces salary cut for Barca move
Marcus Rashford may need to reduce his salary expectations if he is to secure a permanent move to Barcelona.
The forward is currently on loan with the Spanish champions, but there are reports in Spain that further negotiation may be needed to agree a deal with Manchester United.
The Daily Star reports: "Barcelona are believed to hold a purchase option valued at approximately £26m, and are anticipated to activate that clause once the campaign concludes.
"Earlier this month, reports emerged suggesting Manchester United are reconsidering the arrangement, with Rashford's improved performances increasing his market worth.
"He currently earns approximately £350,000 per week at United, with Spanish media reports indicating a modest salary reduction will prove crucial in securing a permanent transfer to Barcelona."
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