Manchester United

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Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.

Prediction: 7th

A big achievement, especially by Michael Carrick, who seamlessly cleared up the wreckage of Ruben Amorim's ill-fated time in charge and took Manchester United back into the Champions League.

Bruno Fernandes was the inspiration, the player United simply cannot do without, while summer arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo added quality in attack.

Belgium keeper Senne Lammens has been a masterstroke signing, while the rehabilitation of Kobbie Mainoo is more credit in Carrick's ledger.

What I said in August: "They surely cannot be as bad again, can they?"

Check out the rest of my review here

Barcelona will hold fresh talks with Manchester United before the World Cup to try to sign Marcus Rashford, with the Spanish club already agreeing personal terms with the forward. (Talksport), external

Roma are keen on United striker Joshua Zirkzee as they gear up for the Champions League next term. (La Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Sam Ashoo
Final Score reporter

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You don't need me to tell you how good Bruno Fernandes was against Brighton on Sunday. Instead, I'll heap praise on Patrick Dorgu.

The Dane was back in the starting XI for the first time since Manchester United's trip to Arsenal in January, and he was excellent.

What makes Dorgu such an exciting prospect is the sheer range he brings to his game and he showcased every bit of it against Brighton.

He's lightning-fast and tenacious in the tackle, while his first-half power header was something even Harry Maguire would have been proud of.

It is clear left wing is a position that suits the 21-year-old, and with Luke Shaw having played every minute of this season at left back, Manchester United may finally have a settled, dynamic left side to build around next campaign.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu says he still has a lot of work to do before he can class himself as a forward.

Dorgu arrived at Old Trafford from Italian outfit Lecce for £25m in February 2025.

He was signed as a wing-back to fit into Ruben Amorim's system, but less than 12 months later, the former Sporting coach was axed and replacement Michael Carrick prefers a more orthodox four-man defensive structure.

That exposes Dorgu's defensive limitations and could shape what left-sided reinforcements United try to sign this summer.

The Denmark international started on the left of a three-man attack at Brighton and headed in the opener in United's excellent 3-0 win.

However, Dorgu accepts he is far from the finished article.

"I still have a lot to learn in that position," said the 21-year-old. "I lost the ball a few times in the first half so I need to improve, but obviously I'm further forward and can get into positions to take opportunities.

"I still need to work on my finishing but yes, I enjoy playing there because I can use my speed and my physique a lot in those areas as well."

Dorgu had started seven Premier League games in a row before suffering a hamstring injury in the victory at Arsenal on 25 January that ruled him out for three months.

The Brighton appearance was his first start since then, although Denmark do have a couple of friendlies to play at the beginning of June before a summer break heading into a new season that includes a Champions League campaign after United won 12 of their 17 games under new boss Carrick.

"It was tough [being injured] but the team did really well without me as well, so I was still positive around the group. I was just excited to be back the season ended.

"You can see the impact he [Carrick] has had since the first day he came. Hopefully we'll do even better next season."

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Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has named Bruno Fernandes as the best Premier League player of the season.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney show, he said: "I am delighted for him. He has been fantastic this season and the [Premier League] player of the year [because of] the influence he has, how driven he is and he's scored a few goals as well. He has been the heartbeat of that team."

On the online criticism from some about the way the club have celebrated Fernandes' award: "That is part of the game now and it's what players and clubs do. You saw Casemiro put all of his trophies together recently, with man of the match trophies in there.

"That is just part of the game and social media - but even if it didn't go on social media, it would have been done for the newspapers years ago. It doesn't bother me at all."

He also spoke highly of Luke Shaw, who has been his "most improved" player in the Premier League in 2025-26.: "I know he's an experienced player now, but I think his levels this season have been much better than they have been over recent seasons."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

We asked for how you are feeling as the curtain comes down on the 2025-26 season.

Here are some of your comments:

Michael: At last we are seeing the true United after years of dross. Congratulations to Carrick and the team for bringing back hope for all United fans.

Christopher: An excellent finish to another difficult season for United. Great to see Dorgu and Mount make significant contributions. And through all the turmoil of the last few years, Fernandes has matured into a strong captain. Twelve months on from the horrible Europa final between Tottenham and United, and it's United who have shown progress this year, and we've been rewarded for it. Congratulations to the players, manager and everyone associated with the club.

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Anthony: Carrick has inculcated in the squad a level of expectation which has translated into consistency of performance and expectation so refreshing to see. A joy to watch us play again.

Mark: What I expected to be a difficult game actually turned out to be probably the easiest game of our season. Great performances all over the pitch from us meant Brighton just never got started and we fully deserved the win. Nice to see the academy players come on as well. Finally a really large shout out to Bruno, thank you for your brilliant work all season.

Osa: I believe it's a good start and an audition for next season. Brighton are a very good side and Man Utd put up a very efficient performance. However, next season will be very different because of the number of games the team will be involved in. But this is certainly a fantastic way to sign off for the season and to start the momentum going into next season, picking up where they have left off.

Andrew: In the past we would have struggled here but this was an easy victory. I thought this display was very encouraging. Mount did well in breaking up play and linking with Mainoo. I was very impressed with Dorgu - so much potential. The defence was solid. This side isn't too far away. A couple of decent signings and the integration of some youth should be enough to see us through the additional games next season. Carrick has worked miracles!

Manchester United have enquired about the signing of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with Arsenal and Paris St-Germain also monitoring the 21-year-old Portugal international, who is valued at £80m. (Mail - subscription required), external

Manchester United are also in advanced talks with Atalanta over a deal for 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder Ederson but there is still a gap between the two clubs over the player's valuation. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from all 10 fixtures on the final day of the Premier League season.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 1-0 Everton

• West Ham United 3-0 Leeds United

• Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal

• Brighton 0-3 Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes has broken the all-time Premier League record for the most assists in a single campaign.

His assist for Patrick Dorgu against Brighton was his 21st of the season and sees him surpass Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne's previous record of 20.

In addition, the Manchester United captain was presented with the Playmaker award on Sunday after finishing the campaign with the most assists of any player in the top flight.

Manchester City's Rayan Cherki came second with a total of 12, while West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen placed third with 11.

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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is confident skipper Bruno Fernandes will remain at the club next season.

Fernandes ended the campaign by claiming a Premier League record 21st assist of the season to start the scoring in United's 3-0 win at Brighton. He then scored his ninth goal of the campaign to finish it.

The 31-year-old's contract is due to expire next summer, although United do have an option to extend it by another year.

It is anticipated talks will be held in the coming weeks, with Fernandes in a strong bargaining position given his outstanding contribution to United's third-placed finish and his FWA and Premier League player of the season accolades.

United are equally keen not to let their wage bill spiral out of control.

However, Carrick is confident Fernandes will still be at the club next season.

"I've got no reason to think otherwise," said Carrick. "We've loved what he's done, and he loves being here. I think you can see that.

"He's such an influence for us. He's been the captain and led by example in different ways.

"He wants to stay on every single game because he's enjoying his football, which is fantastic."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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New Manchester United boss Michael Carrick nearly forgot the Premier League win at Brighton was his first permanent game in charge.

Carrick was confirmed as United's head coach on a two-year contract on Friday.

His status had been known for some time, yet he never made the connection to the game at Amex Stadium before he was reminded of it before kick-off.

"I half forgot that it was the first game since I've been announced because we were just carrying on as normal," he said. "Someone asked me about it before the game."

The 3-0 win at Brighton was United's 12th victory in Carrick's 17 matches at the helm.

It eased United back into the Champions League with three games to spare and ensured he got the job of replacing Ruben Amorim on an extended contract.

Carrick has repeatedly said the position feels "natural" to him, even though it has been too much for other more experienced bosses.

The 44-year-old is taking nothing for granted. But he is at ease in his surroundings.

"It helps I've been here for a long time and seen different levels of success, some ups and some downs," he said.

"I don't take that for granted. I don't think that just makes the job easier. It's trying to make the best of the situation.

"But I love doing it. I think we've got a good idea how we want to move forward. I just keep trying to draw on those experiences and trying to shape how we think and how we want it to look."

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We've finished strong. We had a good run and third place was kind of confirmed so I like the way we finished from that and carried it on. We had a real focus that it wasn't the end of the season, it was the next stage and today epitomised that with how well the boys approached the game.

"These are one of the toughest teams to play if you are not there. Good mentality, good attitude and some top, top quality in our performance so there was a lot to enjoy.

"We were aiming high, you have to here. We wanted to finish as high as we could. Big credit to the players for how consistent they've been and level of performance. It gives us a platform to build on for next season.

On Bruno Fernandes: "It's what he's done so often. The creating and scoring of goals is what he has that gift for. He has a natural instinct for creation and he did it again today."

• Hear more from Carrick on BBC Sounds

Captain Fernandes, speaking to Sky Sports: "It's great [breaking the assists record]. I feel very happy for that. Very proud moment, obviously it is not something I would dream or think about until I got this close.

"Today I was lucky enough to get that. Jonny [Evans] believed more than me in that set-piece we prepared for Patrick [Dorgu] because I was not so sure he would be able to score with his head. I got my assist but the main thing is we won today and finished very strong.

"It was already special being in their [Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne] company. We are talking about two players that made the Premier League so great, and they were two of the greatest in the Premier League.

"My style of playing has always been the same. Creation has not been something that has changed or improved, The biggest difference is my team-mates have scored more goals than before, and I get the credit for that."

On Michael Carrick's appointment as permanent boss: "Obviously it is a very important step for our club. We need stability in terms of managing and since Michael came to the club, you know how calm he is and the calmness he gives to the team but also in the moments he needs to put pressure on us he does to.

"He knows the club, what it means and what it demands to be at this club we are very excited for what is coming. We finished strong and that's a good sign for what is coming."

Did you know?

• Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes provided his 21st assist in the Premier League this season, a new record in a single campaign in the competition.

• Fernandes has scored and assisted in 19 Premier League games for Manchester United - only Wayne Rooney (35) and Ryan Giggs (22) have done so more often.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There are a number of reasons why Michael Carrick ended up getting the United job.

His natural calm demeanour is one; never too high, never too low. He is also the least likely person to public harangue his own players – as Ruben Amorim did. He changed formations, restored Kobbie Mainoo to the starting line-up, was visual at academy matches and gave a chance to Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher in this game.

These are all big ticks for any Manchester United manager.

But the main plus was that he has won matches, from the start against Manchester City to the end against Brighton and with a unerring regularity in between.

The key now is continuing that theme, but in a season that will contain many more than this season's 40 games and with a squad that lacks Casemiro and, by common consent, the depth to compete on four fronts.

Central midfield is the stated priority, and Nottingham Forest's England international Elliot Anderson the prime target.

But there are others.

Reports out of Italy concerning Atalanta midfielder Ederson may have indicated negotiations are more advanced than United sources believe to be the case but there is definite interest. There have been talks and a transfer is not being ruled out for the Brazilian, who is not part of Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad.

West Ham's relegation also opens up the potential for signing their Portugal international Mateus Fernandes, someone they are also keen on, for a lower price.

Not all the targets will be caught, but Carrick has done his bit.

Now he needs the recruitment team to do theirs.

Bruno Fernandes broke the Premier League assist record, and scored himself, as Manchester United signed off their campaign with a 3-0 win at Brighton.

A third-place finish would have seemed hugely unlikely when Ruben Amorim was sacked in January, but Michael Carrick - who signed a two-year deal as permanent boss on Friday - has turned things around.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know how you are feeling as the curtain comes down on the 2025-26 season.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page for a selection of your replies - reaction and analysis to follow shortly

Veteran James Milner returns to the Brighton starting line-up, with uncertainty over whether he will extend his career beyond the end of the season.

Fabian Huzeler makes three changes as Mats Wiefer and Diego Gomez are also recalled, with United transfer target Carlos Baleba among those dropped to the bench.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Milner, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper, Gross, Wiefer, Kadioglu, Hinshelwood, Gomez, Welbeck.

Subs: Steele, March, Rutter, Minteh, Baleba, Kostoulas, Boscagli, O'Reilly Veltman.

Patrick Dorgu makes his first start since January in place of Matheus Cunha, who is on the bench.

Mason Mount replaces Casemiro in midfield, while Noussar Mazraoui is in for Diogo Dalot.

Youngsters Tyler Fletcher and Shea Lacey are named on the bench by United's new permanent head coach Michael Carrick.

Manchester United XI: Lammens, Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Mount, Mainoo, Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo.

Subs: Bayindir, Cunha, Zirkzee, Malacia, Yoro, Ugarte, Heaven, T Fletcher, Lacey.

It is the last day of the Premier League, every side is in action this Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Burnley v Wolves

• Crystal Palace v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Fulham v Newcastle

• Liverpool v Brentford

• Manchester City v Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth

• Sunderland v Chelsea

• Tottenham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Kick-off times 16:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Leeds", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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In one sense, Manchester United's trip to Brighton is of little consequence.

United will finish third no matter what the result, Michael Carrick has been confirmed as the permanent boss and clearance for Casemiro to leave early shows the campaign is at an end.

Yet, it is not quite as simple as that.

Firstly, there is definitely something on the game for Brighton, who could qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history, Europe for only the second time, or miss out completely. Carrick has already mentioned the "respect" he must pay to the situation.

Secondly, Brighton have been a thorn in United's side for a number of years. They have beaten United in seven out of their last 10 meetings and earlier this season, knocked them out of the FA Cup. If there is any team they are due a victory against, it is them.

Beyond that, it is a chance for fringe players and younger players to show they are worth a place in United's future plans.

Recruitment is going to be of huge significance at Old Trafford this summer. This is a chance for players like Shea Lacey to confirm their value in a squad that will try to compete on four fronts. Is this a final opportunity for Manuel Ugarte to show he is worth persevering with?

There is never really a meaningless game for Manchester United. A last day trip to the Amex is certainly not that.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Michael Carrick insists he doesn't need a break – and couldn't have one anyway at the moment because of the exam pressure his children are under.

Carrick was famously in Barbados with former team-mate Wayne Rooney when Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United in January.

There has been no time for a holiday since as Carrick has engineered a superb end to the season that has carried United back into the Champions League after a two-year absence.

The 44-year-old could be forgiven for stepping back and taking a breath before plotting a new campaign.

But Carrick says he doesn't need it – and even if he did, there is no opportunity.

"I certainly don't feel I need a break," he said.

"I feel good. You get in the rhythm of working. You get used to it, you get into the flow of it and I've loved every minute of it.

"It's the kids' exams that are getting in the way at the moment; A-levels and GCSEs, to be honest. That's stopping me from booking anything."

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has praised the longevity of former team-mate Danny Welbeck – but wishes he would stop scoring against his old club.

Carrick was at United when Welbeck started to come through the ranks and was part of the same 2012-13 Premier League title-winning side.

But if he was a positive for United during his time at Old Trafford, he has been a pain since he left.

The 35-year-old has scored eight goals against them, more than he has managed against any other club.

His latest was Brighton's decisive second goal in their FA Cup third-round victory in January.

"He's scored against us too many times," said Carrick. "I still call him 'my lad'. He's an old man now, which makes me feel old.

"Huge respect for him. It's terrific that he came through here and made a massive impact.

"For him to go on and have the career he's had and still be playing so well at the age he is shows his mindset and his attitude and all those things enable you to play to 35.

"He deserves a lot of credit for that and I'm really delighted, genuinely, to see him doing so well."