Manchester United are reportedly beginning to explore potential replacements for Michael Carrick as pressure grows around the manager following a difficult start to the 2026/2027 season.
The Red Devils have collected just four points from their opening four Premier League matches. Their latest league defeat came against city rivals Manchester City, who secured a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
The situation became even more complicated during the Carabao Cup. United appeared to be in control after taking a two-goal lead against Brighton, but eventually suffered a 3-2 defeat in the third round on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
With another important Premier League fixture approaching, Carrick’s position has naturally become a major talking point.
Manchester United are scheduled to face Fulham on Saturday, September 19, before the international break. According to reports, the result could play an important role in discussions surrounding Carrick’s future.
However, the club have not publicly confirmed that a managerial change is imminent. Sources close to Manchester United have previously indicated that Carrick continues to have support from within the club.
Manchester United Prepare for Possible Change
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Manchester United have started making contingency plans in case the club eventually decides to part ways with Carrick.
Jacobs discussed the situation while speaking to TeamTalk on Friday, September 18, 2026. He suggested that Carrick’s support inside the club may not be completely unanimous.
“I’m not sure there is totally unanimous support, to be honest,” Jacobs said when asked whether Carrick has full backing from Manchester United.
The journalist subsequently revealed that the club are exploring potential alternatives.
“Manchester United are doing some due diligence in preparation if they have to make a change,” Jacobs explained.
That does not necessarily mean United have already decided to dismiss Carrick. Instead, the reported approach suggests the club want to be prepared should the situation develop further.
For a club of Manchester United’s size, planning ahead could become important if results continue to fall short of expectations.
Five Managers Reportedly on Manchester United’s Radar
Jacobs identified five coaches who are reportedly being considered by Manchester United as potential options should the club decide to make a managerial change.
The names mentioned are:
- Julian Nagelsmann
- Thomas Tuchel
- Eddie Howe
- Kieran McKenna
- Unai Emery
The five candidates have very different backgrounds and current circumstances. Some have previously managed major clubs, while others remain tied to their current positions.
Their availability could therefore become an important factor if Manchester United eventually decide to move in a different direction.
Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel Present Different Situations
Julian Nagelsmann is among the names reportedly being monitored by Manchester United.
Jacobs explained that Nagelsmann’s situation has changed compared with when the manager’s position was previously discussed by United.
“At that point Julian Nagelsmann was heading towards the World Cup. We didn’t know he was going to resign,” Jacobs said.
Thomas Tuchel is another high-profile name on the reported list. His situation also differs from several months ago.
According to Jacobs, Tuchel had previously extended his contract, with expectations that he would remain in his position through the home European Championship.
However, the journalist suggested that the situation could still change in football, leaving the possibility of Tuchel becoming a more realistic option under different circumstances.
Eddie Howe and Kieran McKenna Remain Under Contract
Two other names linked with the Manchester United situation are Eddie Howe and Kieran McKenna.
Howe is currently in charge of Newcastle United, while McKenna remains tied to his current club.
That means Manchester United would potentially have to negotiate with their respective clubs if they wanted to make either manager their next head coach.
Their inclusion on the reported list therefore does not mean either coach is immediately available.
Instead, it highlights the range of options United are believed to be considering while assessing their managerial situation.
Unai Emery’s Situation Has Also Changed
Unai Emery completes the reported five-man list.
The Spanish coach continues to manage Aston Villa, but Jacobs believes the circumstances surrounding Emery have changed compared with earlier discussions about Manchester United’s managerial position.
“Emery has people who admire him. But the thinking at the time was, why would he leave Aston Villa?” Jacobs said.
He also stressed that there had been no indication Emery wanted to leave Aston Villa.
“There was nothing to say Emery wanted to go, but clearly the landscape is different now,” Jacobs added.
That change could potentially make Emery a more realistic name for Manchester United to consider if the club eventually decides that a managerial change is necessary.
Carrick’s Next Match Could Carry Extra Importance
For now, Michael Carrick remains Manchester United’s manager, and the club’s immediate focus will be on the upcoming Premier League match against Fulham.
The fixture arrives at a crucial moment. United enter the game with four points from four league matches, while their Carabao Cup exit against Brighton has added further pressure.
The key points surrounding Carrick’s situation are:
- Manchester United have reportedly begun contingency planning.
- Five managers have been mentioned as potential candidates.
- Carrick’s support is reportedly not completely unanimous, according to Ben Jacobs.
- United have not confirmed that Carrick will be replaced.
- The match against Fulham comes before the next international break.
The result against Fulham could therefore become an important part of the wider discussion surrounding Manchester United’s next steps.
Manchester United Face a Major Decision
The reported interest in Nagelsmann, Tuchel, Howe, McKenna and Emery shows how the managerial landscape could evolve if Manchester United decide to make a change.
At the same time, several of those coaches remain in positions elsewhere, meaning their potential availability cannot be taken for granted.
For Carrick, the immediate challenge is to turn Manchester United’s early-season form around. The club still have the opportunity to improve their Premier League position, but the pressure surrounding the manager has clearly increased after consecutive setbacks against Manchester City and Brighton.
The Fulham match could provide another opportunity for Carrick and his players to respond.
Until Manchester United make an official decision, however, the five names remain part of reported contingency planning rather than confirmed replacements.
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