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.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
United are likely to avoid January signings despite having funds available, focusing instead on a structured summer rebuild. The report claims United were willing to trigger Semenyo’s £65m release clause but chose not to, allowing City to sign him. Amorim had pushed for a winter midfield signing, but the board want to stick to budget cycles after heavy spending last year and will target a defensive midfielder in summer, with several young profiles tracked.
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.
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.
Ruben Neves
January 2026
United are reported to be accelerating a move for Neves, valued around £20m, to strengthen midfield immediately. The club view midfield control as a core weakness and see Neves as a longer-term fit even under an interim, with funds ready to deploy quickly if conditions allow.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
United plan a revamped coaching group under interim boss Carrick, adding Holland as assistant and Woodgate as coach, plus Evans returning to the setup and Binnion promoted internally. Carrick moved quickly after winning the interim race to assemble a backroom team combining national-team experience, Premier League pedigree, and club links ahead of Saturday’s Manchester derby.
Wayne Rooney
January 2026
Rooney said he would return to Manchester United as Carrick’s assistant if asked, calling it a “no-brainer.” He argued United need staff who understand the club’s culture and identity, claiming recent external hires have not restored the “family feel,” and ex-players could help reset standards and spirit.
