The battle for survival of Manchester United's reserve players in the final three rounds of matches.

Manchester United have officially achieved their most important goal of the 2025/26 season: a return to the prestigious Champions League. The dramatic 3-2 victory against Liverpool at Old Trafford not only held pride but also solidified Michael Carrick's third-place position in the Premier League, extending their lead over their rivals to six points with only three rounds remaining.

With the pressure to achieve results now lifted, English manager Michael Carrick has confirmed a major squad rotation plan. This is seen as a crucial test for the coaching staff to reassess underutilized players before the turbulent summer transfer window.

Michael Carrick's rotation strategy

Since taking over from Ruben Amorim in January, Michael Carrick has prioritized stability with a fixed squad. However, ahead of the away match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on May 9th, he has signaled a possible overhaul of the starting lineup.

"Every player in the team has performed brilliantly. I understand that being on the bench for such a long period is very difficult for a professional player," Carrick shared at the press conference. He emphasized that giving opportunities to reserve players does not mean giving up on the goal of winning the remaining matches.

Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee: Must prove themselves or leave.

The focus of attention in the final stages of the season is on two names: Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount. For Zirkzee, the three matches against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest (May 17th) and Brighton & Hove Albion (May 24th) could be his last chance to impress. The striker needs to prove he is capable of adapting to the intensity at Old Trafford before decisions about his future are made in the summer.

Meanwhile, Mason Mount's case is more akin to overcoming adversity. The former Chelsea midfielder has endured a difficult journey due to persistent injuries, preventing him from contributing as much as fans had hoped.

Getting playing time in the upcoming rounds will be an opportunity for Mount to regain his form and prove that he is still an important part of the club's long-term plans.

Fierce competition in the defensive line.

Manchester United's defense is also expected to undergo some interesting changes. Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu are strong candidates for a starting spot. In particular, Dorgu recently made a promising return from the bench in the English derby after recovering from a hamstring injury.

However, the challenge for the young players is considerable, as a host of seasoned veterans are ready to return. Harry Maguire has fully recovered, while Lisandro Martinez has just completed his three-match suspension. Furthermore, the rise of young center-back Ayden Heaven makes the competition for a place in the heart of the defense more intense than ever.

Questions about the future

Contrary to the expectations of his teammates, Manuel Ugarte's future at Old Trafford appears to be coming to an end. Internal sources suggest the Uruguayan midfielder is likely to leave the club this summer. This explains why Carrick tends to prioritize players who are part of his future team plans over a star who is about to depart.

Overall, the final three matches no longer carry significant meaning in terms of points for a top-four finish, but they represent a life-or-death struggle for many individuals. Every minute on the pitch now is as precious as a final, where players must decide their own fate at Manchester United.

Thanh Vinh