Whatever unfolds between now and the end of the season, Manchester United face a big decision.
Michael Carrick is currently serving as interim manager, with a new permanent appointment expected to be made in the summer. The former midfielder has put himself in the frame by leading a resurgence which continued with Monday’s 1-0 win at Everton.
However, they will have a host of options among out-of-work bosses. So, who could United turn to next? Here, MEN Sport examines some of the candidates who wouldn’t require millions in compensation to bring to Old Trafford.
The Austrian is not only set to become available in the summer but is already backed by a former United boss, Ralf Rangnick.
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“For me, Oliver Glasner is currently one of the most exciting coaches – not only in Germany, but in all of Europe. An absolute top coach,” Rangnick told LAOLA1 in March 2023 following his departure from United.
Glasner is set to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season, just 12 months after guiding the club to FA Cup glory. Reports from January suggested he wasn’t United’s primary target, although one of the leading contenders – England manager Thomas Tuchel – has subsequently penned a new contract, seemingly removing himself from consideration.
De Zerbi is another figure whose prospects have shifted following United’s dismissal of Amorim in early January. The Italian manager resigned from his position at Marseille in February, following the side’s European elimination and a humiliating 5-0 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain.
The ex-Brighton manager is understood to have been among the principal candidates for the United position during January. He made his mark during his spell at the Seagulls, steering the club into European competition for the first time following a sixth-place Premier League finish.
However, his departures from clubs have been somewhat controversial, leaving Brighton suddenly amid reports of dissatisfaction with the club’s recruitment strategy. The circumstances surrounding his Marseille exit may provide the decision-makers with additional food for thought.
In contrast to the other names on this list, Carrick can present his case through on-field performances. The start has been exceptional, with five victories and a draw from his opening six matches.
Carrick has made no secret of his desire to take the role on a permanent basis, calling it “the ultimate role”. It seems highly unlikely he would choose another position over the United hot seat.
Some at United are said to prefer a more seasoned manager at the helm, though Carrick’s winning streak could make him increasingly difficult to overlook.
There was a period when United were genuinely keen on bringing Southgate on board. The former England manager had built a solid rapport with Dan Ashworth, who was eager for a reunion, though that talk has since cooled following Ashworth’s dismissal in December 2024.
Southgate has not taken on any managerial role since departing as England boss after Euro 2024, and his last stint in club management was considerably further back, making him something of an unknown quantity at Premier League level despite his international pedigree.
One factor that could work in his favour is his widely-praised transformation of the culture within the England squad. A move to nited remains a long shot, but there is a case to be made.
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Former Barcelona manager Xavi has been absent from the dugout since departing the Catalan club at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season. The ex-midfielder has been touted for Premier League positions – most notably at United and Tottenham – but has yet to make his move.
“I’d love to work in the Premier League because I love the passion there. In Spain, it’s too much about the result,” the 46-year-old said in 2025.
United are not believed to have approached Xavi during the recruitment process that saw Carrick appointed on an interim basis. His experience managing in a high-pressure environment at Barcelona could make him an attractive option in ways that other candidates are not.
His previous association with United’s bitter rivals Liverpool might prove problematic for Xabi Alonso when it comes to a potential move to Old Trafford. He is presently without a club after being sacked by Real Madrid.
Alonso took charge at the Bernabeu last summer after impressing at Bayer Leverkusen. He guided the German side to their first Bundesliga championship in 2024, completing the entire league campaign without defeat.
The Spaniard’s credentials are undeniable and he possesses the attributes United would undoubtedly seek in a manager. The significant obstacle, however, relates to his history with Liverpool.
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