Five candidates to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United
Manchester United’s hierarchy has reportedly drawn up a five-man shortlist as the club searches for a permanent manager, despite interim head coach Michael Carrick delivering an impressive run of results.
Carrick, who took over in mid-January, has guided United to a notable upturn in form. Eye-catching victories over Arsenal and Manchester City have strengthened his position and earned him considerable credit among supporters and pundits alike. However, the board is said to remain unconvinced about appointing him as the long‑term solution, preferring to keep all options open ahead of the summer.
United’s only defeat under Carrick so far came earlier this month against Newcastle United, a setback that nevertheless did not erase the positive impression created by his initial matches in charge. Thanks to this revival, the team has climbed to third place in the Premier League, and the upcoming clash with Aston Villa on Sunday is viewed as an opportunity to consolidate their place in the upper reaches of the table.
Even so, internal discussions appear to be focused on the bigger picture. According to reports, club decision-makers want a coach who fits a long-term strategic plan rather than simply rewarding short-term momentum. For that reason, while Carrick remains a candidate, several external names are being seriously considered for the role ahead of next season.
Oliver Glasner emerges as a serious option
One of the most intriguing names on United’s radar is Oliver Glasner. The Austrian coach, currently in charge of Crystal Palace, has already announced that he will leave his post at the end of the season, automatically placing him on the market and making negotiations structurally simpler.
Glasner has built a reputation for organizing compact, tactically disciplined sides capable of punching above their weight. His work in previous roles, where he maximized limited resources and implemented an aggressive, high-intensity playing style, has attracted attention across Europe. At a club like United, his ability to create clear structures without sacrificing attacking ambition is seen as an appealing trait.
From United’s point of view, Glasner would represent a modern, analytically driven coach who is comfortable working within a defined club framework, including collaboration with a sporting director and recruitment department. His availability in the summer, with no need for a massive release fee, is another factor that strengthens his candidacy.
Unai Emery: proven Premier League operator
Another strongly linked name is Unai Emery, currently overseeing an impressive project at Aston Villa. Under the Spanish manager, Villa have shown consistency, tactical flexibility and a clear identity both in and out of possession. That combination of structure and attacking intent has made Emery one of the most respected coaches in the Premier League.
Emery’s track record includes major European success and an ability to rebuild teams quickly. For United, still searching for stability and a coherent football philosophy after several managerial changes, his experience at the highest level is an obvious attraction.
However, there are potential obstacles. Emery is known to demand significant authority over sporting matters, including recruitment and the long-term shaping of the squad. United’s current governance model distributes power between various executives and football departments, which might not align seamlessly with a manager seeking broad control. Reaching an agreement would likely require compromises on both sides.
De Zerbi, Iraola and Nagelsmann also on the shortlist
The list of targets does not end with Glasner and Emery. Andoni Iraola and Roberto De Zerbi are also believed to be under consideration, both fitting the profile of progressive, attack‑minded coaches who could refresh United’s style of play.
De Zerbi, in particular, is widely respected for his possession-based philosophy, vertical passing and courage in building from the back under pressure. His teams tend to dominate the ball and create overloads in advanced areas, football principles that could resonate with supporters expecting proactive, front-foot performances at Old Trafford.
Iraola, by contrast, is renowned for high pressing, quick transitions and a relentless work ethic. His sides are typically aggressive without the ball and direct when it comes to exploiting space, which could inject intensity into a United team that has sometimes been accused of lacking clear patterns and energy in pressing phases.
Completing the five-man shortlist is Julian Nagelsmann, the current head coach of the German national team. Still only in his thirties, Nagelsmann is viewed as one of the brightest minds of his coaching generation. His tactical versatility, willingness to experiment and experience at major clubs make him a high-profile candidate.
The complication with Nagelsmann lies in his existing commitments. His contract with the national side is understood to run until the end of Euro 2028, a long-term arrangement that could make any move difficult and expensive. United would have to consider both the financial implications and the timing, especially with an international tournament cycle in mind.
Why Carrick is not yet a certainty
Despite the buzz around external candidates, Carrick’s case cannot be dismissed. He has delivered immediate improvement, steadied the dressing room and shown tactical maturity in handling high-stakes fixtures. Wins against traditional rivals such as Arsenal and Manchester City carry particular symbolic weight in the Manchester United environment.
Nonetheless, the board appears wary of making a permanent appointment based on a short run of form. The club has previously backed managers on the strength of brief streaks only to reverse course later, and there seems to be greater caution this time. United are aiming for a long-term project built on a clear vision rather than a reaction to a successful interim spell, no matter how encouraging.
Key questions for the leadership include whether Carrick can manage the pressure of a full season, navigate multiple competitions, handle star players over a longer cycle and maintain consistency when inevitable dips in form arrive. Until those doubts are answered, the temptation to explore more experienced or globally proven options remains strong.
What Manchester United need from their next manager
Beyond the names, the profile of the ideal manager is becoming clearer. United want a coach who can:
– Establish a recognizable playing style that reflects the club’s attacking traditions
– Work within a modern football structure, including data-led recruitment
– Develop younger players and increase the value of the squad
– Cope with intense media scrutiny and global expectations
– Build a long-term project rather than seeking quick fixes
Every candidate on the shortlist ticks some of these boxes, but none does so without questions. Glasner brings structure and intensity, but less experience at an elite global brand. Emery provides pedigree and results but may push for greater control than the club is comfortable granting. De Zerbi and Iraola offer modern, adventurous football, though both would be stepping into the biggest job of their careers. Nagelsmann combines youth with elite exposure, yet his contractual situation is a major hurdle.
Tactical directions each candidate could bring
If Glasner were appointed, supporters might expect a disciplined 3- or 4-man defensive system with well-coordinated pressing triggers and fast, vertical attacks. His teams often excel at exploiting transitions while remaining compact enough to limit high-quality chances against.
Under Emery, United could evolve into a more pragmatic but highly organized side, with careful game plans tailored to each opponent and an emphasis on controlling key zones of the pitch. Emery is adept at maximizing the strengths of his squad, often rotating shapes and roles to suit different challenges.
A De Zerbi-led United would probably lean heavily on ball dominance, structured build-up from the back and a strong emphasis on technical midfielders able to progress play under pressure. Meanwhile, an Iraola regime would aim to turn Old Trafford into a venue known for relentless pressing and aggressive front-foot football.
Nagelsmann’s appointment would likely produce the most tactical variety. He has used back threes and back fours, positional play and counter-attacking setups, altering systems mid-game when needed. Such flexibility could be a major asset but would require players who can adapt quickly and absorb complex instructions.
The timing of the decision
The club’s leadership is expected to assess the situation until the end of the current campaign before making a final decision. Results in the league, progress in other competitions and the overall mood around the team will all influence the outcome.
If Carrick manages to secure a top-four finish, maintain harmony in the dressing room and show evidence of a sustainable playing identity, internal support for his permanent appointment could grow significantly. Conversely, any slump in form may strengthen the argument for an external hire with a more established managerial résumé.
Waiting until the summer also allows United to gauge the availability and intentions of the shortlisted coaches. Contract situations, release clauses and talks with current employers will all shape which options are realistically attainable.
The stakes for Manchester United’s future
This decision is about far more than the next season alone. Manchester United remain a global powerhouse with enormous commercial strength, but on the pitch the club has struggled to consistently match past standards. The next managerial appointment is seen as pivotal in determining whether United can genuinely return to competing regularly for the Premier League title and major European honours.
Choosing a coach who aligns with the club’s long-term project, rather than simply reacting to short-term pressures, will be crucial. Whether that figure turns out to be Carrick, Glasner, Emery, De Zerbi, Iraola or Nagelsmann, the expectation is clear: restore a clear football identity, develop players and bring sustained success back to Old Trafford.
For now, the shortlist is in place, the evaluation process continues and the spotlight on every result – and every decision from the touchline – will only intensify as the season moves toward its conclusion.