Man Utd have the chance to build a £300m forward line with the England star now open to joining

Michael Carrick awaits a tough test against Sunderland as he returns to the scene of one of his worst days as a Manchester United player.

It’s 14 years since last-day excitement at the Stadium of Light turned to nightmare as Sergio Aguero’s late strike against QPR saw Manchester City wrest the Premier League title from Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

United were awaiting news of the final whistle at the Etihad Stadium as they wrapped up a 1-0 win at Sunderland, with their fans rejoicing in the visitors’ heartbreak as news of a major change emerged.

“Yes, yes, I remember that,” Carrick, part of the midfielders that day, smiled mischievously. “I haven’t forgotten.

“Obviously it was just one feeling.

“So, until it was time to write, we headed towards the edge of the field and had to deal with what was thrown at us.

“A long time ago, you know, but, yes, always remembered.”

There is no chance of such a painful setback on Saturday afternoon, with the Premier League title already in United’s hands and the Champions League with three games to play.

But it is also unlikely that the third-placed Red Devils will move against a Sunderland side that is looking to complete an unforgettable Premier League comeback.

“They have a lot to play for,” Carrick said of the Black Cats, who sit in twelfth place despite exceeding expectations since being promoted from the Championship play-offs.

“I think it’s very strong – sixth to 12th place is probably strong, three, four points, so I think they have a lot to play for.

“They had a very good season.

“But being in the top half and being within touching distance of entering Europe is a full credit to the season they had.”

United host Nottingham Forest and travel to Brighton as they complete a 40-game season – the fewest in a 111-year campaign.

That coupled with a lack of injuries has allowed Carrick to stay in the side since taking over, but the chance to reward those on the fringes during the game is something he misses.

“I think every player in the team was really good, I have to say,” he added.

“Some have played more than others and I understand, from a high level perspective and playing can be difficult.

“But the cooperation and support the players have shown, it’s very nice to see it.

“That’s what we need from the team and that’s part of the challenge of doing a lot of training and not having as many games as we would like.

“I think it’s something we’re really looking forward to playing well and we’re still trying to get good results but, yes, it’s something we have to be aware of.”

Man Utd have been offered the chance to sign Cole Palmer

According to The Express, Cole Palmer is open to joining Manchester United this summer, as he is frustrated following a poor season at Chelsea.

Liam Rosenior said the England star is “still world class”, but only nine Premier League goals have come in 22 games this season.

The Red Devils splashed out £210m to fill their front line last summer with the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Palmer’s move would cost more than £90m, spending more than £300m on the attacking team over a 12-month period, with the report closing in on United making a deal.

Indeed, despite the England international’s willingness to join – he is a young United fan after all – INEOS are reportedly planning to focus their summer budget on midfield and defence.