Manchester United is set to appoint Michael Carrick as interim manager for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, following the surprise sacking of Ruben Amorim last week.
The decision aligns with the preferences of club owners INEOS, who are opting for a caretaker solution for the second half of the season before selecting a permanent manager during the summer transfer window.
Since Amorim’s departure from Old Trafford, speculation over his replacement has been rampant. Despite this, Manchester United appears determined to exercise patience, believing that the managerial market will offer better options after the season concludes.
Several high-profile coaches will become available in the summer, including Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner, Mauricio Pochettino, and Thomas Tuchel. However, the latter two may not be realistic options until the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico concludes.
Internal Candidates Take Center Stage: Carrick Leads, Solskjaer in the Mix
Within the club’s internal caretaker shortlist, two familiar names emerged: Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Carrick now leads the race for the temporary role and will have the opportunity to prove his managerial capabilities for the remainder of the season. If he succeeds in making a significant impact, he could even be considered for a permanent role at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, the idea of a high-profile external candidate also circulated, with Luis Enrique reportedly linked to the position. However, the Paris Saint-Germain manager openly dismissed the rumors, attributing them to the constant speculation surrounding PSG.
“These are rumors that always surface at PSG. We’re used to them. It’s a personal matter and will remain so. There are many false reports, and they will not affect the players or the team,” Enrique explained.
The Under-the-Radar Candidate: Roberto De Zerbi
Amid the media frenzy, one name has largely escaped public discussion but remains on Manchester United’s internal radar: Roberto De Zerbi.
Renowned football journalist David Ornstein revealed that the Italian tactician was a serious contender for the United job even before Amorim’s appointment.
“I believe the two names that came closest before Amorim was appointed were Thomas Tuchel and De Zerbi,” Ornstein told Sky Sports.
De Zerbi is highly respected in elite football circles, earning praise from some of the game’s most influential figures, including Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
“Many people have their own opinions about him, but I have always been curious to see what De Zerbi can do at the highest levels of European football. United valued him greatly at the time, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they looked back at him again,” Ornstein added.
Guardiola’s Admiration: Why De Zerbi Stands Out
Pep Guardiola’s admiration for De Zerbi is well-documented. The City manager has consistently praised De Zerbi’s tactical philosophy, even admitting the challenges of facing his teams on the pitch.
Following a 2024 clash with Brighton, Guardiola gave De Zerbi high praise:
“He’s fearless. No matter the opponent, he always wants to impose his style of play. The build-up processes he implements are remarkable,” Guardiola said.
“I think he’s perfect in the football world because his teams are so compelling to watch. I enjoy watching them when I’m at home. But when I face them as an opponent, I truly suffer.”
Guardiola went further, placing De Zerbi among the elite in modern coaching history.
“I am completely certain about what I’m saying: he’s one of the most influential managers of the past 20 years. There’s no other team that plays like his. It’s unique,” Guardiola concluded.
Looking Ahead: What Manchester United Could Do Next
With Carrick likely to take the reins temporarily, Manchester United now faces critical decisions for the summer. The club must weigh the benefits of internal continuity against the potential of securing a world-class manager capable of restoring Old Trafford’s glory.
Names like De Zerbi, Tuchel, and Pochettino represent both risk and opportunity, with the World Cup and ongoing contracts adding layers of complexity to the decision-making process.
For now, the focus will be on Carrick, who must stabilize the squad and maintain competitiveness in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions. Success during this period could transform a caretaker opportunity into a long-term managerial appointment, cementing Carrick’s reputation as a rising coaching talent.
Manchester United supporters will be watching closely, as the remainder of the 2025/26 season could define the club’s direction for years to come.
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