Michael Carrick really wants to see Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Kobbie Mainoo get their England call-ups when Thomas Tuchel names his next squad. Tuchel, who took over for Gareth Southgate, hasn’t picked a single United player since he started last year; that’s pretty wild considering the talent on offer.

It’s hard to believe any United stars genuinely deserve to be left out. Tuchel even spoke with United about a possible job earlier in 2024, but Maguire, who’s played in three big tournaments, hasn’t worn the England shirt in a year and a half. Mainoo and Shaw both started the Euro 2024 final against Spain, but they’re still nowhere near the squad. Tuchel always says these choices are just about the individuals and definitely not some snub against United, but it’s pretty clear both Mainoo and Shaw are hoping that changes this Friday, when England reveal their lineup for the March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. Carrick reckons their current form really should force Tuchel’s hand.

Carrick’s not shy about his view. Before United’s match against Bournemouth, he put it simply: “I haven’t spoken to Tuchel, no. But honestly, I’d love to see the guys called up, both now and for the summer. I can’t influence that, but based on how they’re playing, they deserve a spot. They’ve really given themselves a chance.”

He added, "We'll see; I don’t know any more than you do. But, honestly, they’re playing well enough to earn it. The decision’s not mine, though, so we just have to wait.”

Mainoo’s been thriving under Carrick. He’s only 20, and at the start of the season, he hadn’t made a Premier League start, so missing out on England then made sense. But now, he’s key for United. Carrick’s excited about his potential and said, “He can definitely improve; there’s a lot still to come, just because of his age. That’s normal; it’s not a negative for Kobbie at all.”

Of course, Carrick’s attention isn’t just on international stuff. He’s got problems at home, too, with injuries piling up. United are third in the league but will miss defenders Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt against Bournemouth. Patrick Dorgu’s out as well, so the back line’s looking pretty thin. Still, United are fighting hard to hang onto their Champions League spot.

Leny Yoro, Manchester United’s young defender, is making a clear call to keep some of the team’s most experienced players around for the long haul. The Frenchman has been vocal about how much he values the guidance he gets from Harry Maguire and the strong winning mindset Casemiro brings. According to Yoro, holding on to these veterans is key for the squad’s growth moving forward.

After their 3-1 win against Aston Villa, Yoro didn’t hold back when asked about Maguire’s future at the club. At just 20, he emphasised how important the 33-year-old defender’s presence is. “If he can stay next season, it’s really good for us. So I hope he’s going to extend his contract, and he can stay with us. We’ll see,” Yoro said. His focus was firmly on the value Maguire offers rather than the uncertainty surrounding contract talks.

Yoro also opened up about the mentorship side of things. Playing alongside Maguire has been a crucial part of his development, especially in adapting to English football. “Harry has so much experience; he gives me a lot of tips and talks to me a lot on the pitch. That really helps,” Yoro explained. He even described how their communication works in real time: “He’s always asking where the striker is; we chat before games and at half-time about how I can improve my positioning." Playing with him is really good for me.”

Then there’s Casemiro. Despite the midfielder signalling he might leave this summer after joining for £70 million in 2022, Yoro is keen on the club reconsidering that. He pointed to Casemiro’s undeniable influence not only on the pitch but also within the team environment. “Everyone wanted him to stay. He’s hugely important and showed it again against Villa. His experience is unmatched here; he’s won everything. That kind of presence helps us a lot during games and off the pitch,” Yoro said.

On the broader picture, Yoro has been a significant part of United’s push to third place in the Premier League this season since his €62 million move from Lille in 2024. With the Champions League spot in sight, there’s a clear sense of determination within the squad. “Every player wants to play Champions League, especially at a club like United,” Yoro said. “This club has to be in the Champions League. Hopefully, we’ll get there next season. Every match matters, but this one was especially important because Villa are right behind us. We’re really happy with the result.”