Man United latest: Kevin De Bruyne comments on transfer as Carrick nears first key deals

Manchester United are making progress both on and off the pitch as they close in on a pair of major deals

Progress is being made both on and off the pitch at Manchester United as this summer's transfer activity begins to take shape. Michael Carrick's impressive stint as interim manager is starting to bear fruit and could help accelerate a number of crucial deals.

At the start of this year, it seemed almost inconceivable that United would claw back enough ground to qualify for next season's Champions League. Yet under Carrick's stewardship, the club is up to third in the Premier League ahead of Monday's eagerly anticipated return fixture against Leeds.

The squad departed for Dublin on Monday, marking the start of an intensive week of training across the Irish Sea. All attention is firmly fixed on Carrick and whether his players can pick up where they left off before the recent break, with nearly three weeks having elapsed since their last outing.

Yet while on-field action has been in short supply, the same cannot be said for activity behind the scenes. MEN Sport examines the latest developments as United close in on some highly promising pieces of business.

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De Bruyne praises Hojlund potential

Regarding players potentially departing the club, Rasmus Hojlund's permanent transfer to Napoli appears inevitable at this point. Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna even characterised the deal as such back in December given the Dane's impressive performances.

The 23-year-old has scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 37 appearances on loan for Napoli so far this season. Consistency remains something that eludes the player, though it's evident from remarks made by officials and colleagues that he's highly regarded in Naples.

Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne appears to be among those backing the forward. And after recently returning to Antonio Conte's squad following a hamstring injury, the Belgian offered his assessment of the United loanee.

"He can become a top player, he has great qualities," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He had a difficult time in Manchester, but now he's doing very well here. He's still young; he has a lot of time ahead of him."

Under the terms of his loan agreement, Napoli are required to sign Hojlund permanently for £38million should they secure Champions League qualification. That outcome appears increasingly inevitable, with the club still firmly in contention to retain the Serie A title.

It was not so long ago Hojlund and De Bruyne found themselves on opposing sides of the Manchester divide. Yet the latter clearly feels his former rival has plenty to offer with a summer transfer that could hand United's finances a significant boost.

United close in on double deal

Given the transformation witnessed under Carrick in recent months, strengthening the club's foundations represents a vital next step. It has consequently emerged that both Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are on the verge of signing contract extensions at Old Trafford.

Securing Mainoo on a new deal is a particularly encouraging development given how the midfielder had been marginalised under Ruben Amorim. Yet after reclaiming his place in recent months, the club has moved to tie the player down to what is reportedly a new five-year contract.

Maguire's contract is also a matter of urgency given his deal is due to expire at the end of this season. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on his YouTube channel this weekend that both players are on the brink of putting pen to paper on new contracts.

"Manchester United, with Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo returning from the national team, are now prepared to accelerate and formally close both new contracts for the players before the World Cup," he said. "This is the mission, before the end of the season, sign everything.

"With Kobbie Mainoo 2031 and with Harry Maguire to extend for one season until 2027, plus an option for one more year. The negotiation is already very advanced with Kobbie Mainoo, it is almost done with Harry Maguire, who will sign soon.

"Man United plan to announce everything before the end of the season. This is the club's wish, now working with the player's camp, everything is advancing very well."

Mainoo has been revitalised under Carrick and appears to have rediscovered his best form, which is evidenced by growing calls for him to secure a World Cup 2026 place. Maguire, meanwhile, has regained confidence and appears capable of extending his United career by at least another season, with reports indicating he'll significantly reduce his salary to stay at Old Trafford.