Man Utd make Carrick decision over permanent job as next manager

Suraj Radia

• 25 Mar 2026 19:04 GMT
• 4 min read

News

Michael Carrick is closing in on being named the new permanent manager of Manchester United after the club whittled their search down to three names including the interim boss.

Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January and has overseen a run of one defeat in ten games, including seven wins, to give United a strong chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

United are reluctant to make a firm decision on their new manager until the end of the season but, according to the Manchester Evening News, there is a belief that Carrick has outperformed many of his rivals for the job.

Having seen the likes of Oliver Glasner and Unai Emery linked with the role, United have taken maximum points over those sides and it is felt that none of their Premier League options represent an upgrade over Carrick.

Instead, United could turn to two foreign candidates, with Luis Enrique touted as a target if he chooses to leave Paris Saint-Germain, although it remains to be seen if that happens and if he sees the Red Devils as an attractive option.

Julian Nagelsmann is also named as another ‘elite level’ contender and his long-standing relationship with United director Christopher Vivell could tempt the Germany boss to move to Old Trafford this summer.

Man Utd’s next manager: Why job is Michael Carrick’s to lose

United will wait to see where they finish in the Premier League before making a decision over Carrick’s future but the 44-year-old remains the bookmakers’ favourite for the full-time job.

Although other names are being considered, the impressive turnaround under Carrick has given United no reason to opt for a different approach, particularly if it leads to them retaining their third-place position for the remainder of the campaign.

Figures such as Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate were on a long-list of candidates but they will be seen as bigger gambles than Carrick, with top level options like Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti having ruled themselves out of contention.

Enrique and Naglesmann are considered the last remaining coaches with a glittering CV but, with both candidates unlikely to consider positions until after the World Cup, the United job appears to be Carrick’s to lose.

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