United’s next man manager: Who could replace Michael Carrick?

Michael Carrick is running out of time to get his job at Manchester United, with the club poised to seek a fourth permanent manager in three years with Ineos taking over minority ownership of football operations.

Carrick – who impressed with his interim spell in charge last season – comes under huge pressure following Britain’s worst start to a season for 40 years and a disastrous 4-1 defeat to Comers in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

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While the issues United face run far deeper than the head coach – as highlighted by defender Lisandro Martinez after Atletico Madrid’s defeat earlier this month – Carrick appears to be on the mend following criticism of his performance by United boss Bruno Fernandes.

While he is set to be set for Sunday’s home game against Bournemouth, the club have already discussed potential replacements should Carrick follow the departure of Eric Ten Hag and Ruben Amorim under Ineos.

But which States to turn to seek their salvation campaign?

Eddie Howe

The Englishman is available after rocking his decision to leave Newcastle United in the summer. How he told the club that he needed a break from management unless he was in charge of Old Trafford, after three months, it would certainly be too good if the offer came. The 48-year-old remains the most respected player in English football after taking over a Newcastle side from the relegation zone and leading them to the club’s top League finish in two decades, as well as their first domestic silverware in 70 years. He twice took Newcastle into the Champions League playing an energetic, high-intensity style of football that was popular at Old Trafford. He is now a favorite with the books.

How he led Newcastle to the Carabao Cup in 2015 before the end of the following season (Getty)

Fabianus Hurzeler

Brighton have produced a surprising package in the Premier League this season and 33-year-old Hurzeler has drawn praise for turning his dive into a side that can compete with the country’s biggest clubs. Brighton’s 3-0 victory over champions Arsenal earlier this season was a masterclass in recent coaching while Hurzeler’s side also knocked United out of the Carabao Cup with an impressive 3-2 win at Old Trafford. Children Head coach Miguel Delaney reported that Hurzeler was impressed at Old Trafford, but Brighton did not have the money for a significant compensation for the German and United. In Brighton, Hurzeler also got an environment where the club made all the right decisions off the pitch. In United, it is charged in the opposite direction.

Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler has been brilliant at Old Trafford this season (Getty).

Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler has been brilliant at Old Trafford this season (Getty).

Julian Nagelsmann

that wunderkind The German pressure was reduced to a league announced that they had snatched Ruben Amorim at the beginning of the year, but with the option of the following summer’s World Cup. Well, that was a bit of a defeat for the former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig coach, as Germany were knocked out in the final by Paraguay. Nagelsmann, 39, will naturally study in British management and the club’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, previously worked with him at the Red Bull.

Julian Nagelsmann has been considered by United in the past and is available (Getty)

Julian Nagelsmann has been considered by United in the past and is available (Getty)

Unai Emericus

The Spaniard did an excellent job at Aston Villa by winning the Champions League and ending the club’s trophy drought with victory in the Europa League. But Aston Villa will be even more determined to keep Emery’s post just in the early stages of their rebuild under him, overhauling the backbone of the team over the summer. As it is, Emery enjoys supreme control over his decision at Village Park, a situation he is unlikely to find at Old Trafford, while he seems motivated by the challenge of building the second most competitive team in the Premier League. With Emery, who has a contract until 2029, United would also need to pay Villa compensation, and may place him above his budget.

United States' challenge to build 'Villa 2.0' (Getty)

United States’ challenge to build ‘Villa 2.0’ (Getty)

Antonio Conte

The Italian’s combustible appeal only grew when United were accused of becoming too passive and pedestrian on the pitch. Conte is one of the most demanding coaches in the game and immediately has a level of intensity and urgency that has been lacking this season, while his CV – with Serie A titles at Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli and a Premier League crown with Chelsea – commands respect. Conte also brought immediate improvement when he took charge of Tottenham after a flurry of five years and brought them back into the Champions League, which is now United’s biggest concern. Yes, the 57-year-old offers an impact, but what? Conte has a sharp tongue and is not afraid to criticize his bosses if he feels they are failing him. His exit from Tottenham in March 2023 was followed by a stunning gutting of the club in a now legendary press conference at Southampton. United would play with fire, but Conte’s options for the striker are few and far between.

United could be playing with fire if they go to Conte (AFP/Getty)

United could be playing with fire if they go to Conte (AFP/Getty)

Cesc Fabregas

The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder is developing a reputation as one of Europe’s most famous youth coaches – as his brilliant side demonstrate as they thrash United in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The Spaniard seems committed to his plan in northern Italy, though, and even has the financial incentive to pay Como in his League debuts due to having a stake in the Serie A club. The 39-year-old has also risen in his own stock and the lure of returning to one of his former clubs in the future, such as Barcelona, ​​could result in Fabregas taking a patient and considered approach to his next move.

Cesc Fabregas helped Como into the Champions League for the first time in his history after two years in charge (Reuters)

Cesc Fabregas helped Como into the Champions League for the first time in his history after two years in charge (Reuters)

another meanwhile

Well, we’ve been here before. Before Michael Carrick went down with a fracture in January, he was under-18s manager Darren Fletcher, who oversaw a draw with Burnley and an FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton. Before him, Ruud van Nistelrooy held the reins between the dismissal of Eric Ten Hags and the constitution of Amorim and before that, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer felt the same cycle of cotton wool and image that Carrick went through for 10 months. In short, there is no shortage of former United players who are available to warn about the underperforming dressing room and the importance of the shirt. It might be time for Fletcher to give Sir Alex another call.

Under boss Darren Fletcher, he took charge of two games following Ruben Amorim in January (Getty)

Under boss Darren Fletcher, he took charge of two games following Ruben Amorim in January (Getty)

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