'Carrick has completed his mission... time to add crucial experience'

Manchester United are back where we belong. Michael Carrick has completed his mission. Champions League nights are returning to Old Trafford next season.

I couldn't think of many better way to seal it than by beating Liverpool to complete a first double over our rivals since 2016, a landmark win coming via a Kobbie Mainoo winner in front of the Stretford End in the same week he signed a new contract, no less.

But now the job is done, and this unique season can be considered a successful one, all focus must now go towards getting the summer transfer window right.

United can enter the business period with confidence, given how 2025 included some of the club's best recruitment of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Patrick Dorgu , Ayden Heaven , Matheus Cunha , Bryan Mbeumo , Benjamin Sesko , Senne Lammens - all hits, in my book, and a major factor behind the spring from 15th last season to third in the Premier League.

The positions United must address have, naturally, dominated the talk about this summer. The Red Devils need at least three midfielders, support for Sesko and another left-wing option.

But I want to discuss the player profile, which is crucial to avoid repeating the horrors of our last Champions League campaign under Erik ten Hag in 2023-24.

Only eight United players who are likely to be in the squad next season have more than 15 Champions League appearances to their name. Seven have two or fewer.

The seven? Lammens, Heaven, Leny Yoro , Dorgu, Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Mbeumo. Most could easily be regular starters next term.

Of course, if you play for this football club, you must be ready to perform on the biggest stage. But Champions League experience has to feature on the criteria for at least some of this summer's targets.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC