Man Utd news: Bruno Fernandes issues apology as Arsenal 'begin talks' with Red Devils target

Manchester United are close to achieving one of their main aims from the start of the Premier League season - a return to the Champions League. Michael Carrick's side sit third in the table with five games remaining. This year, the top five clubs are guaranteed automatic qualification for the competition, while sixth place could also become a Champions League spot if Aston Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League. United will have the chance to strengthen their position when they return to Premier League action on Monday, hosting Brentford at Old Trafford. Carrick's team claimed a crucial 1-0 win at Chelsea last time out. Matheus Cunha scored the only goal that night and will be eager to guide his team-mates to another important victory in front of the home fans. FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page It won't be long before the club hierarchy fully turn their attention to the summer transfer window. Although the window does not officially open until June 15, several players have already been linked with a move to M16. With that said, Mirror Sport brings you a round-up of the latest news from Old Trafford… The United skipper recalled celebrating as a youngster when Jamie Carragher's penalty was saved by former goalkeeper Ricardo at the 2006 World Cup. Ricardo also denied Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the quarter‑final shootout. During The Wayne Rooney Show, Fernandes remarked: "Obviously 2006, everyone remembers because of Cristiano and Wayne's little bit of fire. [It] ends up with Jamie Carragher missing the penalty. I had to say this - sorry, Jamie. "I had to get a little bit off you, you get on me all the time," he said with a smile. "I can get on you with that penalty. When I miss a penalty, don't say anything about it, please." Writing in his Telegraph column, Carragher recalled: "Sven Goran Eriksson summoned me and gave me one job: to dispatch a spot-kick as convincingly as I had in every practise session. "I had not missed a penalty in six weeks. 'You'll take the fourth', Eriksson told me. Not a problem. England were 2-1 down by the time I made that 40-yard walk, but I was feeling confident staring at Portugal's No. 1 Ricardo. "Knowing precisely where to place the ball, I struck it sweetly to the right, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way - my first touch of the game. There was a momentary sense of relief." Portuguese newspaper Record reports Arsenal have opened talks over Sporting Clube de Portugal left‑back Maxi Araujo amid interest from Manchester United. The Uruguayan is believed to have caught Mikel Arteta's eye during their Champions League double‑header in March and April. It's said the north London club have made an 'initial approach' to Araujo to discuss a potential summer move. Sporting, meanwhile, are 'open' to selling the 26‑year‑old but will only consider offers in excess of €50m (£43m). However, any deal for Araujo is unlikely to be straightforward, with Arsenal facing competition from United, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.