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Man Utd news: Michael Carrick reverses rules as Scott McTominay told transfer 'deserved'

Michael Carrick has overhauled Manchester United's training regime while Napoli have opened the door to selling ex Red Devils star Scott McTominay

[Michael Carrick wants to get Manchester United back to the top]

Michael Carrick wants to restore Manchester United to their former glory(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

Michael Carrick is working tirelessly to maintain and extend his remarkable beginning as interim Manchester United boss.

The Red Devils welcome Tottenham for Saturday's early Premier League fixture, aiming to secure a fourth consecutive victory under the club legend. Whatever approach Carrick has adopted at his former home, it's proving effective. Despite his temporary status at present, the 44-year-old hasn't hesitated to shake things up in his bid to restore his former club to the summit of English football.

United experienced a subdued January transfer window, with departures being the only notable activity. This suggests a larger budget for summer spending, when Carrick may well be making those choices on a permanent basis. Scott McTominay is amongst the names being touted for a return to Old Trafford as speculation over a reunion intensifies. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.

[Scott McTominay]

Scott McTominay continues to shine with Napoli(Image: Getty Images)

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Napoli stance on McTominay sale

Recent instances of players returning to Old Trafford following extended periods elsewhere haven't worked out favourably inthe last few years, reports the Mirror.

Costly moves to bring back the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba ultimately fell short of expectations. But many supporters will be hoping McTominay, 29, could defy that pattern should United return for their academy product in the future.

To that end, recent remarks from Napoli's global business development officer, Leonardo Giammarioli, indicate the transfer could happen for the right fee.

[Scott McTominay]

Scott McTominay has been a sensational signing for Napoli(Image: Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"Yeah, of course I'm worried," he admitted to talkSPORT when asked about the possibility of McTominay departing if an appropriate bid arrives.

"But ultimately, especially Scott, who's a very nice guy, we're happy if he gets to the next level in a couple of years. Maybe not now, maybe not next year, but he deserves it.

"Look at Stuttgart, they wanted to keep Nick Woltemade [before he joined Newcastle last summer], but when such an offer comes in, there's not much you can do, when the player wants to go and money is important."

[Michael Carrick is shaking things up at Manchester United]

Michael Carrick is shaking things up at Manchester United

It's widely acknowledged that Napoli secured an absolute steal when they snapped up the Scot for approximately 25million in the summer of 2024. Many argued at the time that the player was undervalued, and then-boss Erik ten Hag even admitted he was reluctant to part with his star performer.

Following a Serie A title triumph and a Player of the Year accolade, McTominay has become one of the most prized assets in Italy's premier division.

Once again, United would face paying over the odds for a player they might well rue letting go initially, but the necessity to replace the departing Casemiro - and possibly Bruno Fernandes as well - could make him a logical summer acquisition.

Carrick overrules Amorim and Ten Hag

[Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on January 14, 2026 in Manchester, England]

Michael Carrick has lifted the mood at Manchester United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

One aspect that's become evident early in Carrick's tenure is his willingness to shake up the established order. This applies equally to long-standing traditions at United and routine matters like tactical adjustments.

The former England midfielder has already abandoned Ruben Amorim's three-at-the-back system in favour of a more conventional setup. He's also recalled Kobbie Mainoo from the wilderness and enjoyed success by deploying left-back Patrick Dorgu in a more attacking position.

However, it's now been revealed that Carrick has scrapped Amorim and Ten Hag's policy of requiring players to train the day following matches.

Both previous managers preferred the approach of having the squad attend recovery sessions the day after fixtures - but that's now changed.

Instead, Carrick has modified the timetable so that United's players complete their recovery work two days after competing. It represents yet another example of Carrick's more compassionate approach, providing his stars with a more relaxed working environment, at least in this respect.

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