Tusport - News - Carrick hints Man Utd star may have played last game

Michael Carrick insists clarity over his future at Manchester United is imminent after a transformative second half of the season that has propelled the club up the table. Speaking ahead of the Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion, Carrick said a decision on his position is “around the corner,” while underlining the need for his side to close out the campaign with conviction. “It was said end of the season, we’re not far away. Clarity is around the corner. At this stage I can’t give you anymore,” Carrick noted, refusing to be drawn on contract specifics or timelines beyond the final whistle of the current campaign. On the pitch, United face a Brighton side still pushing for a European spot and known for their ability to control phases of play through confident build-up and aggressive pressing. Carrick acknowledged the stakes for both teams and urged focus on fundamentals rather than narratives. “We’re conscious of the situation of the game and what’s at stake. We’ve put ourselves in a position where we are in the league and we want to finish strong for ourselves as much as anything. We’ll approach it as we would any other game. There’s a lot to play for.” Carrick also addressed squad availability and, without delving into names, effectively confirmed that one senior United player has likely played his “last game” of the campaign due to fitness and longer-term planning. While he declined to provide details, the message was clear: United will prioritize collective balance over short-term risk, a stance consistent with the team’s well-drilled approach since the turn of the year. Tactically, United’s resurgence has stemmed from sharper distances between the lines, quicker regains in central areas, and more decisive transitions once possession is won. Against Brighton, who will test the press with midfield rotations and full-back width, United’s compactness off the ball and decision-making in the first pass after recovery could prove decisive. The ability of the front line to press in unison and the midfield to screen passing lanes into Brighton’s creators will be central to dictating tempo. Off the pitch, speculation continues around the summer window—most notably links involving Marcus Rashford and FC Barcelona—but Carrick maintained the group’s focus is singular: finish strong, secure maximum points, and allow the club hierarchy the space to finalize managerial clarity. With European places on the line for Brighton and a statement finish in sight for United, the atmosphere promises to be tense and tactical. For Carrick, a polished performance here would underline the steadying influence he has exerted—while supporters await the formal decision that now feels a matter of timing rather than intent.