Michael Carrick
January 2026
Carrick insists Old Trafford still has “magic” despite results, unrest and the club’s managerial churn since 2013. He frames his job as rebuilding performance and culture together, stressing standards, behaviour and unity inside the building while trying to lift the mood from the outside noise and recent decline.
Didi Hamann
January 2026
Hamann says United should prioritise Tuchel as the next permanent manager, arguing he has the authority and edge to reset standards, even with Luis Enrique also being linked. The pitch is that Tuchel brings proven big-club management, cuts through politics, and focuses on winning over reputations, but timing is awkward because United may need to choose before the World Cup while Tuchel is focused on England.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
January 2026
Van Nistelrooy has been confirmed as an assistant coach for the Netherlands, returning to the national setup for another spell after recent club roles in England. Koeman wants his striker expertise to support the attack and individual development, adding him to a staff that includes Erwin Koeman and Wim Jonk.
Declan Rice
January 2026
Rice was caught on camera in a heated, foul-mouthed exchange with Stuivenberg at half-time despite Arsenal leading, with lip-reading claims detailing his complaint about the coach’s comments. The row happened as players went down the tunnel, Gabriel Magalhaes tried to calm things, and Arsenal later held on for a 3-2 win after goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, while Alejandro Garnacho scored twice for Chelsea.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Neville says Carrick should not be considered for the permanent United role beyond this season, even if results improve. Neville argues United need a proven, experienced manager and named Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Carlo Ancelotti as options to consider in the summer.
Federico Chiesa
January 2026
Chiesa’s former mentor questioned Slot’s limited use of the winger as reports suggest Chiesa is negotiating a return to Juventus. Romei says Slot’s selection choices are hard to understand given Chiesa’s profile for English football, noting he has had limited starts despite multiple appearances this season.
Unai Emery
January 2026
Campbell says United should consider Emery as a proven, steady option to end the club’s cycle of failed appointments after Amorim’s exit. He argues Emery can handle big-club pressure and align board and fan expectations, pointing to Emery’s recent work rebuilding Aston Villa and his track record in Europe.
Carlos Raphael Moersen
January 2026
Spurs appointed Moersen as Director of Football Operations in a newly created role, part of a wider restructure aimed at modernising the club’s football operations. Moersen joins from CFG after more than a decade in football administration and transactions. His remit covers football administration, player care, and training ground operations, plus oversight involvement for the women’s setup.
Antonio Conte
January 2026
Conte says Hojlund has improved significantly and stresses the importance of coaching details like positioning and team play, framed as a contrast to how he was used previously. Hojlund’s output has improved on loan at Napoli, and Conte’s comments position Napoli’s coaching structure as central to the turnaround while referencing United’s prior decisions in the striker pecking order.
Roy Keane
January 2026
Stam says he would like to see Keane return to United in a coaching or management capacity, with former players willing to help amid ongoing instability. Stam frames it as a cultural and identity fix but notes clubs are cautious about bringing in outspoken ex-players who publicly criticise decisions, which can create internal resistance.