‘Unbelievable’ coach in ‘pole position’ for permanent Manchester United role

March 25, 2026 Oliver Obel

Manchester United’s search for a permanent manager remains unresolved, with club leadership continuing to assess whether to prioritise continuity or bring in an experienced external candidate ahead of the summer.

Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in January after a disappointing 14-month tenure, United have seen a notable upturn in form under interim boss Michael Carrick. The team has climbed into third place in the Premier League, opening a seven-point gap over Chelsea as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies.

Carrick’s impact has been immediate. He has overseen seven wins in his first ten matches, suffering just one defeat an away loss at Newcastle and has restored a sense of stability during a turbulent campaign.

Despite that progress, the club’s hierarchy, led by INEOS, is understood to be taking a measured approach. According to reporting from journalist Paddy Keogh, no final decision has been made regarding the managerial position, with United keen to avoid a rushed appointment. The preference is to have a new manager in place before the summer’s international tournament schedule begins.

Keogh noted that Carrick has exceeded expectations since stepping in and is currently the leading internal option. “Manager role not decided, [the] club [have] not made up their mind,” he wrote, adding that Carrick is “in pole position” as things stand.

While Carrick’s familiarity with the club and strong early results have earned him backing from sections of the fanbase and pundits, questions remain about whether he represents the best long-term solution. His relative lack of top-level managerial experience could weigh against him when compared to other candidates on the market.

Several established coaches are expected to be available this summer. Reports have linked United with former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann, while Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner could also become options as their respective contracts near expiration. Roberto De Zerbi has similarly been mentioned in connection with the role, although assessments of his candidacy have been mixed.

A comparative analysis cited by GIVEMESPORT, generated using ChatGPT, ranked Nagelsmann as the strongest tactical fit for United’s current squad and long-term rebuild. De Zerbi and Iraola were also viewed positively for their stylistic approaches, while Glasner and Carrick were seen as less aligned with the club’s broader ambitions.

United’s decision will ultimately shape the next phase of the club’s rebuild, with the choice hinging on whether recent momentum under Carrick is enough to justify a long-term commitment or if a more experienced appointment is required.

Sources: GIVEMESPORT, Paddy Keogh