Four names to become next Man Utd manager after Tuchel and Ancelotti setback

Manchester United recently suffered a double setback as Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti decided to extend their contracts with England and Brazil, respectively.

Tuchel has committed to staying as England’s head coach until the 2028 European Championship, while Ancelotti has also extended his contract with Brazil until 2030.

The duo are no longer in contention to be United’s next manager. With this in mind, let’s look at four candidates for the permanent managerial role this summer.

Luis Enrique

The Spanish tactician has been with Paris Saint-Germain since the summer of 2023 and has won almost everything within reach. He arrived with a huge reputation and has become a firm favourite at the club, having guided them to a maiden Champions League title last term.

The current campaign has not been the best for the French and European champions. They are facing a stern challenge from Lens for the Ligue 1 title, while featuring in another knockout round playoff in the Champions League – this time against French rivals AS Monaco.

Enrique may contemplate a new challenge in the summer when he enters the last year of his contract. The Red Devils could be tempted to pursue his signature, though it may require huge compensation. The 55-year-old is a world-class manager who could transform United’s fortunes with his attacking brand of football. He will no doubt want a record salary to pen terms.

Andoni Iraola

If the Red Devils were to explore a Premier League-based manager, they could turn to Bournemouth’s Iraola, who has exceeded expectations. The 44-year-old guided the Cherries to a ninth-place finish in the English top-flight last season with 58 points.

There was a huge selling spree last summer with the departures of Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi. Antoine Semenyo also chose to leave the South Coast outfit this winter. Despite this, the Cherries are ninth in the standings once more.

Araola has grabbed the eye with his free-flowing attacking football at Bournemouth. The club’s hierarchy did not back him with a huge budget after the selling spree, but he has kept them comfortably away from the relegation zone with 12 matches to play. United could make him their permanent manager.

Roberto De Zerbi

De Zerbi was a candidate for the job in the summer of 2024 when manager Erik ten Hag’s position was under threat. Ten Hag eventually kept his job after the FA Cup success, but United made the decision to replace the Dutchman with Ruben Amorim later that year.

In a similar period, De Zerbi took charge of Marseille after mutually parting ways with Brighton & Hove Albion. The 46-year-old has recently been relieved from his duties after a thumping 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the French top-flight. He left by mutual consent.

United could explore a fresh approach for Zerbi, who is out of contract. The Italian is known for his flexibility, having switched between a 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2, and 3-4-2-1 formation at Les Phoceens. Hence, he has the credentials to adapt to any system the club demand.

However, he is someone who prefers to stamp his authority on the side, similar to Amorim and may not entertain outside influence on player targets and formations. With that in mind, it seems unlikely that United will make an approach, though it can’t be ruled out.

Michael Carrick

Carrick took charge as the temporary manager for the Red Devils last month, and the results have been truly exceptional. The 44-year-old made a big statement with wins over Manchester City and Arsenal. United beat the Gunners in the league on the road for the first time since December 2017.

The Red Devils followed it up with victories over Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs had an eight-match unbeaten run against United, which was put to an end in style. The club could not make it five wins in a row, but showed plenty of fight against West Ham United last weekend, scoring a late 96th-minute equaliser.

United are presently fourth in the standings with 45 points, one ahead of Chelsea and three in front of Liverpool. Fifth place could be enough to qualify for the Champions League next season. The Red Devils are well placed with just the league to worry about and no other commitments.

If Carrick guides United back into the elite European competition, he will be a strong candidate for the managerial vacancy. The former United midfielder has already won over the club’s faithful by playing the United way with attacking football in a traditional 4-2-3-1 set-up.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .