Man Utd have controversial option on three-man shortlist for next manager | Football | Sport
Carrick’s immediate impact has been clear to see, with United going unbeaten for his first seven matches in charge. However, that run came to an end in midweek when 10-man Newcastle stunned the 20-time champions late in the game at St. James’ Park.
As they were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round by Brighton and aren’t involved in any European competitions this season, United don’t play again until March 15. It could give the Old Trafford bigwigs a bit of time to mull over who their next managerial appointment will be, with the growing feeling that they’ll look to hire somebody new, instead of giving the job to Carrick on a full-time basis.
It’s been reported by Ben Jacobs, who was appearing on The United Stand, that the three names on United’s shortlist are: Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto Martinez, and Roberto De Zerbi.
It’s an eclectic mix of managers, not least because two out of the three are set to take charge of national teams at this year’s World Cup. Nagelsmann won’t raise too many eyebrows, given he’s considered one of the best coaches in Europe and could be tempted back into the club game after a stint with Germany.
However, Martinez could be considered a controversial choice, given it’s been 10 years since he last took charge of a club. In the decade since, the Spanish coach spent six years as manager of the Belgian national team, before moving over to his current position as Portugal boss in 2023.
By contrast, De Zerbi is the only manager currently without a job and the one with the most recent Premier League experience. The Italian left Brighton at the end of the 2023/24 season, having guided them to the FA Cup semi-final, as well as a stint in the Europa League.
Jacobs reports that neither Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti or Thomas Tuchel is being considered for the role. Tuchel is said to have been on INEOS’ shortlist in the past, but recently signed a contract extension with England, which will take him up to the European Championship in 2028.
