Picture: Overlooked United duo putting in the hard yards as they look to force their way into Carrick’s plans – report

Manchester United are on a five-match unbeaten run under Michael Carrick, who has managed to transform the club’s fortunes on the pitch.

Beating the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, while scoring late Fergie time goals, has delighted the fanbase.

Apart from improvements up top, the defence has become quite solid as well, conceding only five goals in as many games while keeping two clean sheets.

The caretaker head coach opted to reinstate Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez to the heart of the defence, and the duo have been in top form.

Heaven and Yoro working hard to catch Carrick’s eye

Under former head coach Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils were playing with three centre-backs, which meant the likes of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven were enjoying plenty of game time.

: Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro training together in Dubai.

Understand the two have become good friends off the pitch and putting in extra sessions in Dubai as they look to break into the starting XI – Carrick has preferred experience of Maguire and Martinez so far.

United… pic.twitter.com/82uyXvDOyg

— Danyal Khan (@DanyalHKhan) February 17, 2026

That has reduced understandably, but the duo are keen to catch Carrick‘s eye, and as per Sky Sports, they have been doing additional training during this mini-break.

“Understand the two have become good friends off the pitch and putting in extra sessions in Dubai as they look to break into the starting XI.

“Carrick has preferred experience of Maguire and Martinez so far. United players back in training tomorrow at Carrington,” Sky reporter Danyal Khan revealed on X (formerly Twitter).

Additional work will please Carrick

Both travelled to Dubai for a warm weather camp, and with Maguire returning from an injury scare, there could be a spot opening up.

Matthijs de Ligt is unlikely to return before next month, and given Yoro’s impressive cameo against West Ham last week, this additional work will no doubt please Carrick.

Both are young and hungry, and the form of the former Arsenal wonderkid had even kept Martinez out of the team for a short period.

They should relish the challenge of trying to win back their place as at a club like United, competition breeds excellence.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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