The latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's Devils' Advocate podcast has landed.
Hosts Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath are joined by BBC Sport's Manchester United reporter Simon Stone to discuss the club's league position and the job Michael Carrick has done so far.
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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United defender Diogo Dalot (right) congratulates Benjamin Sesko following his recent match winner at Everton
Diogo Dalot has struck up a close bond with fellow 'early bird' Benjamin Sesko and feels the forward is heading in the right direction to be a success at Manchester United.
Sesko took his tally to seven goals in eight games with the winner against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
The Slovenian has scored crucial goals in the last three games that have propelled United to third spot in the Premier League.
Dalot feels Sesko is getting deserved reward for the hard work he is putting in on the training ground and has seen at close quarters how the £73.7m summer signing from RB Leipzig has adapted to life at one of the world's biggest clubs.
"He's an early bird as well, so the first few weeks we were coming into Carrington at the same time and we created this bond," he said.
"We both have very similar ways of behaving and thinking, so it became a natural relationship, that sometimes helps you to adapt more quickly to a new environment, a new league and a new country.
"He's a very humble kid and always tries to be the best version of himself.
"He has come to a big club with big expectations, in a very important position for our team.
"I think he's on the right path. Fortunately, and unfortunately, strikers sometimes live by goals. He's in a good run, so we're very happy with him."
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
Here are some of your comments:
Manchester United fans
Duncan: Unconvincing and strangely lacklustre, but still got the job done. It's not an easy run-in, so we shouldn't take Champions League for granted. The whole coaching team clearly suits the players, and we should keep them next season.
Gordon: A times flat and lacked creativity in first half - very predictable. The penalty was the major change and a good second goal but again didn't kick on and finish the game. Three points but room for considerable improvement
Patrick: This the United I've been waiting to see since Sir Alex's retirement. We're playing as a team, refusing to give up, even when down, confident, and have quality throughout the team. Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko have made a huge difference, and Maguire is finally, the talismanic defender we hope he would be. Fergie would be proud to manage this team. We remain a work in progress, my optimism feels apt at this point. As to the Glazers and Ratcliffe, carbuncles that need lancing. Our debt burden is worrying.
Mattie: There's only one Michael Carrick!
Crystal Palace fans
Ron: What a footballing disgrace. This referee has already proved he's not up to it. Never a penalty and never a red card. Palace played well and deserved a draw. Whoever goes to Old Trafford seems to play against twelve men. Canvot had another good game and is improving all the time. Strand Larsen and Johnson again were very disappointing. They need to find the right space to receive the ball which is badly lacking. It makes you wonder what they do in training.
James: This felt as if palace were 0-1 up when it was 11 vs 11, but 2-0 down when it was our ten vs eleven. Given a week ago we didn't look to be able to beat a wolves 11, this feels an improvement especially in how fluid we were with 11, the next challenge is remain with 11, and then we can look up the table and progress further in the conference.
Adrian: Better rhythm and confidence. We possibly play better against the stronger sides, rather than those who play a low block. It probably was a penalty despite starting outside the box and the guy throwing himself to the floor. But the red card was a clear and obvious error and should be overturned on appeal.
Mike: Very poor refereeing decision cost us today. Not even a foul, let alone a penalty or a red card. Any where else on the pitch that goes unnoticed.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesMissing out on European football this season has fuelled the desire to return Manchester United to the Champions League, says full-back Diogo Dalot.
The comeback victory over 10-man Crystal Palace at Old Trafford strengthened United's chances of finishing in the top five, which would almost certainly be enough, as they are now six points ahead of Chelsea with 10 games remaining.
Dalot says it is campaigns like this one, when United have no European distractions for only the second time since 1990 and were also beaten at the first stage of both domestic cups, that provide a sharp reminder of what is being missed.
"Seasons like this are good for you to know that when you're playing Europa League, and especially Champions League, those are the best years, those are best seasons," said the Portugal defender.
"This year, we play a maximum of 40 games because we came out of the cups at an early stage. That is nowhere near what the club should be, and the competitions that we should play in.
"It [Champions League qualification] is the main goal and I really believe we're going to do it - but we cannot take it for granted. We need to put the club back in there."
United go to Newcastle on 4 March and then have a crucial game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on 15 March.
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesOliver Glasner was left frustrated at how Crystal Palace had twice led Manchester United at half-time this season and ended up with nothing on both occasions.
To him, this one hinged on the moment 11 minutes into the second half when Palace goalscorer Maxence Lacroix made a grab for Matheus Cunha. The initial contact was certainly outside the box, but continued into it and the United forward flung himself to the floor.
Referee Chris Kavanagh gave the penalty and, after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, sent Frenchman Lacroix off.
Glasner described it as the 'Old Trafford bounce'.
"It's a very hard decision because the foul started outside the box and usually the foul has to be given where it starts," he said.
"On the other side, Matheus Cunha was very smart to wait until he's inside the box to fall.
"Maybe he could have conceded the red card with the foul outside the box, this is what you can discuss, but it's where the foul starts. Maybe it was the Old Trafford bounce."
While Glasner felt it was a 'home' decision, vastly experienced former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann said the ruling was right.
"Kavanagh took his time and used all his experience to rightly ascertain that contact continued inside the penalty area and awarded a penalty kick," he added.
"The red-card sanction was also the correct outcome. The law states 'where a player commits an offence against an opponent within their own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goalscoring opportunity, and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offender must be sent off if the offence is for holding or pulling'."
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Match of the Day pundit Joe Hart analysed how Bruno Fernandes was a "coach on the pitch" against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The former Manchester City goalkeeper explained how the captain "got the best" out of his United team-mates in their 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.
Manchester United keeper Altay Bayindir is expected to leave the club in the summer, with Besiktas a possible destination. (Football Insider), external
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has agreed to his wages being reduced while also foregoing some bonuses in an effort to make his loan move from United to Barcelona permanent. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Pundits Joe Hart and Leon Osman join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I'm delighted with the win and the way we responded to a slow start. Credit to Palace, they started the game really sharply and bright. We showed that belief and personality and we finished the first half well. To overcome going a goal down so early, that was a new challenge for us. You have to do that at certain times, it has to be perfect."
On Bruno Fernandes scoring the penalty: "He takes responsibility, Dean Henderson has saved many penalties so it was a good duel. Fernandes always steps up, he would never do anything else. It was big with the red card and the penalty."
On Benjamin Sesko starting: "It's not a gamble. It wasn't that big of a decision. Benjamin is in a good place and he has had a major impact in recent weeks. He's learning what it feels like to play here and to score the winner today is fantastic. We are here to help and I'm sure that will continue. He is willing to do whatever that is."
On being third: "It doesn't mean an awful lot at the moment. It is nice and we want to keep progressing. We came back from the goal so early and responded."
On Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire going off: "They just weren't feeling too well so hopefully they will be feeling better soon."
Listen to more from Carrick on BBC Sounds here
Did you know?
Michael Carrick has earned 23 points in nine Premier League games as Manchester United manager (W7 D2 – including both spells). This is the joint-best start after nine games by any manager in the competition's history, alongside Ange Postecoglou (also 23 in first 9).
United have avoided defeat in all five Premier League games in which they have trailed in 2026 (W2 D3).
Only Igor Thiago (7) has scored more Premier League goals in 2026 than Benjamin Sesko (6), who had only scored twice in 15 appearances in the competition before this calendar year
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Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Man Utd's performance
What did you make of Crystal Palace's display?
Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies
Michael Carrick hands a starting spot to Benjamin Sesko following the Slovenian's match winner at Everton on Monday.
Amad Diallo drops to the bench in the only change to Carrick's entire squad as United look for a victory that would take them into third spot for the first time since the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
Manchester United XI: Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha, Sesko.
Substitutes: Bayindir, Mazraoui, Zirkzee, Malacia, Amad, Ugarte, Heaven, T Fletcher, Moorhouse.
Oliver Glasner makes one change to the side that started Thursday's Europa League victory against Zrinjski.
Brennan Johnson replaces Evann Guessand even though the Ivory Coast international has scored in his last two games.
Yeremy Pino returns to the bench as Palace look for their third successive victory at Old Trafford.
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Canvot, Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell, Ismaila Sarr, Strand Larsen, Guessand.
Substitutes: Benitez, Pino, Uche, Clyne, Hughes, Sosa, Guessand, Riad, Devenny.
There are four games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Brighton v Nottingham Forest - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2
Fulham v Tottenham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Manchester United v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Arsenal v Chelsea (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated
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Manchester United have been very good under Michael Carrick and they are a team full of confidence - Benjamin Sesko is a great example of that.
Palace picked up a late win over Wolves last time out but it still feels like their manager Oliver Glasner should have left by now, because there is such a negative atmosphere around the whole club.
I don't like to question anyone's commitment but, in this scenario, I think you have no choice. Glasner wants to leave, and the whole situation has been handled very badly.
Palace have won away at Manchester United in the past two seasons but, the way things are going for both teams, you'd only ever go for a home win here.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
Manchester United will put their resurgence to the test against one of their more awkward opponents in recent years, as Crystal Palace visit Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday (14:00 GMT).
A dogged 1-0 win at Everton on Monday night propelled the Red Devils back into the top four. A Champions League place is very much United's to lose at this stage, although they will face pressure from Liverpool and Chelsea.
As for Palace, a win over Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday in the Conference League pushed them into the knockout stage proper. However, problems off the pitch remain.
Carrick finds formula for new transfers
It has been an impressive start for Michael Carrick in the Manchester United dugout, with five wins and a draw from his first six matches in charge of this spell. In the club's history, few have fared better in the early stages of their tenure.
Carrick has won all four of his home league games in charge (one in 2021, three in 2026). Only Frank O'Farrell has won his first five home league games in charge of the Red Devils, doing so in 1971 (he won his first six).
Carrick is also yet to lose any of his seven matches managing United across two spells. Only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2018–19 with 11 and Herbert Bamlett in 1927 with 10 managed to accumulate more unbeaten games at the start of their respective tenures.
United were far from their best at Hill Dickinson Stadium but showcased the determination to get through the game. When the key moments came, they were able to produce moments of quality too.
Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko combined to set up the latter's goal on the counter-attack. The three summer signings have settled at different speeds at Old Trafford, but Carrick appears to be getting a tune out of all of them at the moment.
Glasner seeking more Old Trafford glory
Palace face a curious end to the season. The Eagles know their head coach, Oliver Glasner, is on the way out, and there were protests against him and the board at the previous game.
Even so, they remain in European competition and, after two wins from their last three Premier League games, there appears to be no danger of the team being dragged into a relegation battle.
Old Trafford is a venue where they have performed well in recent seasons, meaning even an in-form United side may not necessarily welcome a visit from the south London club.
Palace have won four of their last six league matches at Old Trafford. On Sunday, they are looking to become just the second London side to win three consecutive away league games against Manchester United, after Chelsea between 1967–68 and 1969–70.
The match will also be a big one for former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson. He has recently been handed the Palace captaincy and stepped up last weekend to save a penalty from Tolu Arokodare.
It means Henderson has now saved a third of the Premier League penalties he has faced - five out of 15 - which is the joint-highest ratio among goalkeepers to have faced at least 15 spot-kicks. Former United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich saved six of the 18 he faced.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen Ruben Amorim was asked in the aftermath of his side's 1-1 home draw with West Ham on 4 December if defender Matthijs de Ligt would be fit for the trip to Wolves four days later, the answer was clear – "I think so".
At that point, there had been no explanation for why the Dutchman, who had completely the full 90 minutes of the previous weekend's win at Crystal Palace, had missed his first Premier League game of the season. He had not even been substituted at that point.
Thirteen weeks and 15 games later, De Ligt remains side-lined.
His back injury has still not cleared up and there is no timescale on a return.
Even when I asked head coach Michael Carrick earlier if it was likely De Ligt would be back after next month's international break – United's first game is against Leeds on 11 April – he was reluctant to commit to a timescale.
"Matthijs has had a back issue which has been a bit slow to progress," he said.
"The nature of the injury means it's a difficult one to pin down time wise. He's definitely improving though."
United struggled badly in De Ligt's absence until Harry Maguire's return, which is another reason why it is more likely than not, the England defender will get a new contract before his current one expires in the summer.
Melissa Edwards
BBC Sport journalist
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford (kick-off 14:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Mason Mount is back training on grass and is expected to return "pretty soon", while Matthijs de Ligt is a "bit further behind" with his back injury.
Harry Maguire has made 14 appearances in the Premier League this season, alongside a large spell out with injury, and Carrick thinks his experience is key to the team's success: "Harry is an impressive character. He's had a great career so far, hopefully there is a lot more to come. He's been here on the journey and the experiences he's had show exactly what he is. We know the player he is and what he is capable of doing. He was fantastic the other night [against Everton] - his experience, attributes and character helps. He's willing to put himself out there. He's been really important for us."
He continued: "There is a case, as your career goes when you're a young player and everything is fresh and new, you're fearless and there's not many scars there. You get to your peak years and you feel good and everything is there, but you've had a few ups and downs. You get towards the later times and the experience should make you a better player, we've seen that with Harry's performances of late."
On Maguire's contract being up in the summer: "Within the squad there is that balance, you want that younger potential and excitement and helping develop players, you need the sweet spot in the middle with players at the peak and experience is massive. It's hard to put a price on how valuable that can be. Harry has gained an awful lot of experience with this club. Casemiro leaving is another one and we have to understand that."
Benjamin Sesko has come off the bench to score late and earn United vital points in their past two matches, but Carrick says there is "no drama" with the forward not starting matches. He said: "The whole thing is a real positive. It's certainly not a decision that is one I look at in a negative way. We're playing well as a team, we're not getting carried away and thinking that carries on. The forwards have scored a good number of goals, Ben has been so good in so many ways. It's really not a drama. It just shows the quality Ben has got. If he starts the next game or the one after, it is what it is, but he's doing so many good things."
On squad rotation while playing in one competition: "When there is a lot more games we have rotation or having to change things physically. There are huge positives with the results we've had, playing well and winning games, but a big awareness from me and the staff is how important everyone is in the group. Even though it's the same players, game-to-game we have tweaked things, some of the front players have changed in different positions, Luke [Shaw] has played in different role in possession, but there is a feeling of trying to keep the momentum."
On Manuel Ugarte: "I like Manu a lot, he's been terrific around the group with his attitude and how we go about it, his training qualities, he's got a lot of good attributes, when the team is winning there is a big upside to that. For one or two boys who haven't played as much, it makes it a little bit tougher to get in the team, but everyone is pushing each other. Many are desperate to get on the pitch a bit more. There are times when we might need to change things and he's a big part of that."
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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesA big goal from super-sub Benjamin Sesko at Everton on Monday gave Manchester United a three-point cushion over Liverpool and Chelsea in the battle for fourth spot in the Premier League.
With Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace both making it through their respective European play-offs, fifth is almost certain to be enough for Champions League qualification.
No European distractions – United entertain Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday – gives Michael Carrick's side a massive advantage and from this position, it would be a shock if they didn't make it.
Carrick is due to face the media this lunchtime, when he is likely to be asked about the fitness of Lisandro Martinez, who missed out on Monday with a calf problem, and whether he will start Sesko, who has scored six goals in seven games.
I wonder if Champions League qualification might also get a mention.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesIt's been an interesting couple of days when it comes to assessing the finances of Manchester United.
Profits, so far, for the current financial year, but growing debt on Wednesday and last night confirmation of the compensation figure that may end up being paid to Ruben Amorim following his dismissal last month.
But there is other stuff in the small print.
For a start, there is a decrease in sponsorship revenue of 13.5%, or £5.8m, over the six months to 31 December, primarily, the club say, due to the end of the training kit deal with Tezos last summer.
That's a big gap and one of the reasons why Champions League qualification this season is so important when it comes to United being an attractive commercial proposition.
Finance costs – to service the debt – are always a point of interest. They have reached £35.4m over the first six months of the financial year. Fans argue without the debt, that money could be invested in the respective squads.
The amount United owe in outstanding transfer fees is £422.1m, of which £130.49m is due between one and two years and £53.8m between two and five.
There are also contractual fees of £106.18m written into player contracts for both the men's and women's team if certain conditions are met – although United would presumably be happy to pay that as it would mean those players are doing well.
Also, given a lot is made of the fact missing out on Champions League qualification costs United £10m a season from their Adidas deal, it is worth noting additional payments can be made if teams are successful.
Although there are no actual details, it seems one of those is the women's side winning the Champions League.
Even more incentive for Marc Skinner's side to beat Bayern Munich in the last eight next month.
Daniel Austin
BBC Sport senior journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesFans of the Premier League's six wealthiest clubs are paying an average of £74 per ticket for each match they attend, while ticket revenues are soaring, according to data from a new report.
The Uefa European club finance and investment landscape report shows that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham earned an average of 19% more money from selling tickets for home matches in 2025 than in 2024.
Among Premier League clubs, Arsenal made the most per fan, per match, earning an average of £89 per ticket.
The biggest increase in ticket income was earned by Liverpool, who made 27% more than the previous year, for a total of £120m.
The figures include matches in all European and domestic competitions and comprise the average price for general admission and hospitality tickets.
The data shows all 20 Premier League clubs made a combined total of £920m from ticket sales last year - an increase of £90m from the previous year.
That total is almost double the total of £514m in ticket income earned by Spanish clubs.
Nine Premier League clubs feature in Europe's top 25 for gate revenue, with the wealthiest six all in the top 11.
The report shows the 20 Premier League clubs are well ahead of their European rivals when it comes to overall revenue, earning a combined total of £6.5bn.
That is almost double the revenue of the next highest division, Germany's Bundesliga, whose 18 clubs made a total of £3.4bn.
Of the 25 clubs who generated the most revenue, 11 were English.
But those revenues did not mean the Premier League clubs turned a collective profit, as only five made a profit while 15 made losses and across the division, there was a combined pre-tax loss of £559m.
Chelsea - with £355m - made the second-highest loss in European football history while Spurs (£129m) were the the third-biggest losers in 2025, with Aston Villa fifth (£85m).
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United have confirmed sacking Ruben Amorim could end up costing the club almost £16m.
The Portuguese was dismissed on 5 January following his public attack on the club's hierarchy after a 1-1 draw at Leeds the previous day.
The figure was released in a filing to the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, a day after the club confirmed they had made a profit of £32.6m in their second-quarter results to 31 December 2025.
Listed as an "event that occurred after the reporting period", United confirmed an amortised fee of £6.3m - which related to the cost of getting Amorim to Old Trafford from Sporting in November 2024 - had been written off and a "provision of £15.9m" would be made, representing the highest amount United could be liable to pay Amorim and his coaching staff.
It is not explicitly stated in the submission what would trigger the highest payment but sources with an understanding of the situation have said it relates to future employment.
Amorim is yet to speak publicly about his time at United and sources close to the 41-year-old have said there is no immediate likelihood of that changing.
The payment completes an expensive managerial experiment that ultimately ended badly.
United confirmed in a similar filing on 27 November 2024 they were paying Sporting £11m to hire Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag, whose exit was costing £10.4m.
It means the combined changes around Amorim could cost £37.3m.
His 14-month stint in charge was the shortest reign of a permanent manager at Old Trafford since David Moyes was sacked just eight months into his tenure in 2014.
Amorim won 25 of his 63 games in charge, finishing 15th in the Premier League, United's worst performance since they were relegated in 1973-74.
They also lost the Europa League final, meaning they have no European football this season for only the second time since 1990.
