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.
Roberto De Zerbi
January 2026
De Zerbi is again being framed as a candidate for United’s permanent job, with “admirers” at Old Trafford. He is under contract at Marseille until 2027 but has said he would leave if sporting director Medhi Benatia leaves, positioning his future as dependent on internal Marseille leadership. Other names are floated as potential summer options, including managers who could become available after international tournaments.
Raheem Sterling
January 2026
Rosenior says he will speak to Sterling and Disasi after their exclusion from first-team training this season under Maresca. Both are training separately from the main squad; Sterling has not played this season and Disasi has not played in the league since January 20, 2025. Napoli are linked with Sterling; Roma and Lyon have asked about Disasi. Chelsea cannot approve another overseas loan unless they cancel an existing foreign loan because they already have six players out abroad.
Kobbie Mainoo
January 2026
Old quotes resurfaced where Carrick argued United must keep academy graduates like Mainoo central to the squad, hinting Mainoo may benefit from the coaching change. Mainoo’s minutes and starts fell sharply under Amorim, feeding exit noise; a likely tactical reset under Carrick could reopen pathways, matching Carrick’s stated belief in building around homegrown players who “get” the club.
Jude Bellingham
January 2026
Bellingham angrily denied reports suggesting he did not support Alonso during his Real Madrid tenure. He posted directly to rebut “sources” and media narratives amid wider claims of dressing-room issues, including reported Alonso disputes with Mbappe and Florentino Perez.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Carrick has been confirmed as United’s head coach until season end and said fans should expect positive, exciting football alongside improved results. He returned after a previous short caretaker spell in 2021; he stressed player development, collective unity, and adapting styles to game states while insisting results remain the deciding factor.
Enzo Maresca
January 2026
Chelsea issued Maresca a formal letter reminding him of responsibilities and put the head of physical performance on the bench to advise on injury-return management and substitutions. The club grew alarmed at how returning players were being used and at setbacks after their returns; concerns escalated after Maresca’s “worst 48 hours” remarks and reports of talks with Manchester City, before Chelsea moved on and appointed Liam Rosenior.
Jurgen Klopp
January 2026
Klopp said he was genuinely surprised by Madrid’s decision and rejected any suggestion he is a candidate to replace Alonso. He framed the sacking as proof of extreme expectations and short time horizons at Madrid, saying the situation did not trigger any desire to return to management.
Ruben Amorim
January 2026
Campbell claimed Tottenham are likely discussing Amorim as a potential successor if results do not improve under Frank. He argued Spurs are a “different animal” than Brentford, with higher demands; strong performances are now required to calm pressure while the club quietly evaluates alternatives.
