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.
Cole Palmer
January 2026
United are being urged to consider Palmer as a future target, with the idea that a Pochettino appointment could help make any approach realistic. Meulensteen argues Palmer fits how United should play and notes squad-fit questions around roles with Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, while any move depends on Chelsea being willing to sell.
Murillo
January 2026
United are linked with Murillo as they plan for a potential Maguire departure when his contract expires. Reports say Murillo is being considered and may be open to leaving despite a long contract, but any deal would be expensive and not straightforward.
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.
Joao Gomes
January 2026
Atletico and United are both linked with Gomes, with Atletico seeking a replacement after Gallagher’s reported move to Tottenham, and United monitoring midfield options. Reports claim Atletico have moved quickly, but Gomes has expressed commitment to helping Wolves avoid relegation and has indicated he prefers staying in England, which could aid United if a deal develops.
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.
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.
