12 names currently in the mix to become Manchester United permanent manager from summer 2026

Manchester United now move on to assessing the various options to become permanent manager.

After sacking Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s immediate focus was to establish who should take over as manager until the end of the season.

Darren Fletcher briefly stepped in, before Michael Carrick was appointed as interim manager until the rest of the season.

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And while United need to ensure Carrick has the right support, Manchester United’s big priority has to be to settle on a permanent manager for 2026/27 and beyond. After blowing the Ruben Amorim call in 2024, this is an appointment that Ineos have to get right.

No clear names are standing out as more likely than each other at this early stage. Ineos want the new manager to take over in the summer, rather than join mid-season like Amorim. There will also be more names potentially available once the World Cup is over, if United believe it is worth the wait to get the right man.

While this list is not exhaustive, we have put together 11 credible contenders for the United job based on the early signals. You can also vote in our poll at the bottom of the page.

Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick has arrived at Manchester United as interim manager, and he has a chance to put himself firmly into the mix. Ineos have shown an inability to stick to a plan, so why wouldn’t they rip it up and give the job to Carrick full-time if he does well?

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To do so, Carrick would need to lead Manchester United into the Champions League spots, which will likely mean winning in excess of 10 of his 17 fixtures in charge.

If he is able to do so, while playing strong attacking football, then Carrick could start to build a real case for himself.

How many games will Michael Carrick win?

Also let us know how many you think he NEEDS to win to qualify for the Champions League… and to become full-time manager?

Roberto de Zerbi

Roberto de Zerbi has admirers at Ineos, amid high respect for his tactical versatility and the work he did in the Premier League with Brighton.

De Zerbi has a brash and bold approach, he is not afraid to ruffle feathers and it screams ‘internal clashes with Ineos’. But if it were to go well, it could be an entertaining, winning combination.

Would you want Roberto de Zerbi to be Manchester United’s next permanent manager?

What reasons for and against stand out to you?

Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti would be the dream appointment, a title winner in Spain, Italy, Germany and England. He is currently with Brazil, and it is unclear if he would be available, or if he would be interested.

At 66, Ancelotti would not be a long-term fix, but he is a proven winner who might be the only manager in football capable of succeeding in the impossible job.

Ancelotti is Gary Neville’s recommended pick, arguing that ‘No one comes close’.

Prove me wrong… Carlo Ancelotti should be Ineos’ top option to become permanent manager this summer!

Do you think Ancelotti would be a success? Do we stand a chance of getting him?

Thomas Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel is another manager away at the World Cup who could become available after the tournament ends.

Like Ancelotti, he has the experience and Premier League knowledge to deal with the short preparation time ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Tuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea, and also has experience with PSG and Dortmund. He met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe to discuss the United role in summer 2024.

Do you want Thomas Tuchel to be Man Utd’s next head coach?

Paul Scholes says Tuchel is his number one choice

Oliver Glasner

At one point, Oliver Glasner appeared to be the smart candidate if Manchester United wanted a proper succession plan in case Ruben Amorim was fired.

This was due to Glasner’s three-at-the-back tactics being a suitable fit for the squad United had constructed around Amorim.

The events that led to Amorim’s sacking stemmed from Ineos’ concerns over his formation, which does make a move for Glasner less likely. Despite this, the 2025 FA Cup winner is expected to be available this summer.

Oliver Glasner is planning to leave Palace at end of 2025/26 – Do you want him as Man Utd manager?

Do you want Oliver Glasner to be hired as a replacement for Ruben Amorim?

Andoni Iraola

One of the Premier League’s most highly rated coaches, Andoni Iraola has worked wonders at Bournemouth since his appointment, and has a strong record against United.

Iraola’s side have had to constantly deal with losing their star players, the latest being Antoine Semenyo, which has made his task more difficult.

United’s strength of interest in Iraola is unclear, and while he is an outsider, he warrants a look with the club keen on Premier League experience.

Marco Silva

Marco Silva held talks with United to discuss the role in 2024, picked out as an intriguing candidate by Ineos and Dan Ashworth.

Silva has done well on a modest budget at Fulham, his side are currently just one point behind Manchester United in the Premier League. An unlikely choice, but one who will be assessed.

Mauricio Pochettino

Once the hottest property in English football, Mauricio Pochettino was the man who Manchester United wanted, but he was never available.

United did have a chance to hire Pochettino in 2022, and opted for Erik ten Hag instead. He since had a spell at Chelsea, where he led them to a sixth place finish before being fired.

His spell as USA manager has been mixed, and despite hosting the tournament, they could have an early exit. United still admire Pochettino, although it is unclear how strongly at this stage.

Julian Nagelsmann

Another World Cup manager, Julian Nagelsmann ticks a lot of boxes. Young, tactically astute, with a strong record. The only mark against him is a lack of Premier League experience.

Nagelsmann could have one powerful voice in his corner, Manchester United head of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who he worked alongside at RB Leipzig.

Xabi Alonso

A new wildcard to add to the mix, Xabi Alonso is suddenly available following his shock exit from Real Madrid.

Alonso’s Liverpool connections certainly make a United move less likely, but his staggeringly good work as Bayer Leverkusen manager means he is worth a look.

Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca left his role as Chelsea manager days before Ruben Amorim’s sacking at United. His Chelsea side were fifth in the league at time of his exit.

Maresca led Chelsea to win the Club World Cup last summer and is viewed as a young, progressive coach with smart tactical ideas. He is among the names considered to succeed Guardiola at City.

Wilcox and Berrada know him well from their time on the blue side, but the appointment of Maresca could be one former City man too many.

Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate was strongly linked to Manchester United during his time as England manager. He has not held a role since stepping down from the job.

Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland has been hired onto Michael Carrick’s coaching staff, adding some extra intrigue to the situation.

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