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.
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.
