Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford agreement reached as Michael Carrick makes Ruben Amorim change

Change is afoot at Manchester United, where Michael Carrick's brief tenure is already leaving a tangible mark

Things appear to be finally moving in the right direction at Manchester United. A surge in form has thrust the club back into the race for the top four - and propelled interim head coach Michael Carrick into genuine contention for the role on a permanent basis.

Since the former Red Devils midfielder stepped in following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, United have rediscovered a sense of stability, confidence and tactical clarity. Statement victories over Manchester City and Arsenal set the tone early in his tenure and in the weeks that followed the team have displayed a level of consistency rarely seen in recent seasons.

There have been minor setbacks, but few can find serious fault with Carrick's opening month or so in charge. The 44-year-old may only be contracted until the end of the campaign, but the club's longer-term vision is already taking shape under his stewardship. Here, Mirror Football rounds up the latest headlines from Old Trafford.

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Rashford agreement reached

Marcus Rashford has reportedly agreed personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a proposed permanent move to the Camp Nou. The forward has spent the season on loan from United and has been open about his desire to extend his stay beyond the summer.

The loan agreement contains a £26million option to buy - a figure Barcelona are prepared to meet. The primary obstacle, however, has centred on Rashford's salary demands.

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The 28-year-old currently earns around £325,000 per week at Old Trafford, a sum Barcelona were unwilling to match. However, it's now understood that Rashford has agreed to take a significant pay cut in order to push through what he views as a dream move.

Rashford has impressed since arriving in La Liga, registering 10 goals and 13 assists in 35 appearances in all competitions. Following the departure of Amorim - whose falling out out with Rashford led to his two loan departures (the other being to Aston Villa last season) - in January, there had been speculation that he could yet be reintegrated at United this summer.

But with personal terms over a permanent move to Barcelona now effectively settled, any prospect of a return to Old Trafford appears increasingly remote.

Carrick's crucial change

Carrick is already reaping the benefits of reshaping his backroom team at United. Since taking charge in January, the former Middlesbrough boss has overseen a series of decisive changes aimed at correcting the shortcomings of Amorim's tenure.

Central to that overhaul has been the injection of experience and authority into the coaching staff. The arrival of Steve Holland has proved particularly influential, with the former Chelsea and England assistant widely credited for restoring tactical clarity and defensive organisation.

Carrick has also leaned on figures with deep knowledge of both English football and the club itself. Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, Travis Binnion and Craig Mawson have all played key roles behind the scenes during United's resurgence.

On the pitch, Carrick's willingness to abandon Amorim's much-debated 3-4-2-1 system in favour of a more orthodox 4-2-3-1 has been warmly received. The decision to reintegrate Kobbie Mainoo has also drawn praise, as has Carrick's calm, measured demeanour.

By contrast, Amorim's regime was understood to be far more rigid, with staff rarely challenging the Portuguese coach and often waiting for him to finish speaking before offering input. The more open, collaborative atmosphere fostered by Carrick appears to have struck a chord - and the results are reflecting that shift.

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