Man Utd consider Martinez as next manager after Portugal boss opens door to job

Suraj Radia

• 26 Feb 2026 21:25 GMT
• 4 min read

News

Manchester United are understood to have added Roberto Martinez to their shortlist to be the club’s new manager next season.

Martinez is expected to be replaced by Jose Mourinho as Portugal boss after the 2026 World Cup, leaving the Spaniard able to make a quick return to the dugout and take his first job in club management for ten years.

United have undergone a dramatic turnaround in fortunes since Michael Carrick was appointed the club’s interim manager following Ruben Amorim’s sacking in January, with the Red Devils winning five of their first six matches under their new boss.

Carrick is believed to be the frontrunner to be handed the reigns full-time but United are still keeping their options open and assessing different targets before making a decision at the end of the season.

While the likes of Oliver Glasner, Julian Naglesmann and Roberto De Zerbi have also been considered, Ben Jacobs told The United Stand that Martinez is among the names on the club’s shortlist, although he is not a frontrunner.

Jacobs said. “[United] like him but we shouldn’t get too excited about it. I don’t think the data or feedback will push Martinez up there but he’s definitely been discussed as they create this shortlist.”

Martinez open to club management return

Carrick is considered the favourite to be named United’s permanent boss but much will depend on how the club finish the season and where they finish in the Premier League table.

Potential targets for United such as Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti have renewed their respective contracts in recent weeks, leaving the club building a wide list including Martinez.

Martinez spoke this week on The Overlap about a potential return to club management but admitted he ‘didn’t know’ what the future held for him.

“I can never plan my career. I could never imagine what I have experienced. So, I have always been that when it's the right time, it's the right project,” Martinez said.

"Well, I think it's the project. It's not about a club, or I would like to manage here.

"No, it's about that board and that they believe in your work, and what is the project behind it.”

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