Manchester United's past decisions impact future under Carrick
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026

Manchester United's squad overhaul under Michael Carrick is framed by previous decisions from Ole Gunnar Solskjær's tenure. Key signings in 2021, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, initially sparked optimism but subsequently led to challenges. Bruno Fernandes remains the only attacker from that recruitment alongside Paul Pogba. The current rebuilding may reflect lessons from prior missteps.
- •Bruno Fernandes is the sole attacker remaining from 2021 signings.
- •Criticism surrounds management decisions during Solskjær's reign.
- •Poor results followed high expectations from the 2021 squad.
- •Manchester United aims to learn from past recruitment challenges.
- 7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Plight of Pogba, Sancho and others is cautionary tale for any Carrick rebuild
"Bruno Fernandes is the only surviving attacker from Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s attempt to bridge gap to rivals in 2021 Five years is a long time in football. Manchester United’s summer of 2021 is now remembered as the turning point in Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s reign; the sentimental decision to sign Cristiano Ronaldo the headline act as United set off on the wrong course after a few years of building steadily. But back then, even before the signing of Ronaldo, there was optimism aplenty around Old Trafford. United swatted aside Leeds 5-1 on the opening day to fuel talk of a first genuine title charge since Alex Ferguson’s retirement. They had, after all, just signed the most coveted young English player on the market in Jadon Sancho and looked to pair the £74m man with Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba, their creative fulcrum, and an exciting set of forwards. Continue reading...
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