Manchester United have drawn up a five-man shortlist of potential replacements for Michael Carrick, according to Sky Sports. The report comes a day after United’s 4-1 Champions League loss at Como, a result that drew public criticism of the coaching staff’s tactics from captain Bruno Fernandes.
Sky Sports did not name all five candidates on the list, but separate reporting from Yahoo Sports identifies at least four names under consideration. The club has made no official statement about Carrick’s position, and sources quoted by USA Today indicate some senior figures at United remain wary of making another managerial change so soon.
Who Is On The Man United Carrick Replacement Shortlist
Julian Nagelsmann, the former Germany and Bayern Munich manager, is believed to be one of the leading candidates, according to Yahoo Sports. The 39-year-old is currently out of work, speaks fluent English and is said to be keen on managing in the Premier League. United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, worked with Nagelsmann previously at RB Leipzig and was technical director at Chelsea when that club explored signing him in 2023, though Nagelsmann reportedly held concerns about Chelsea’s structure at the time.
Eddie Howe, who left Newcastle United, is available and would “naturally come into consideration” if United makes a change, per Yahoo Sports. Sky Sports reports Howe has also emerged as the bookmakers’ favorite to take over at Old Trafford.
Fabian Hurzeler, the 33-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion manager, is admired by United but is being tracked as a future option rather than an immediate replacement, according to Sky Sports. Brighton is said to be confident it will retain him despite United’s interest, a dynamic covered in a previous report naming Hurzeler as a top pick.
Antonio Conte, the former Chelsea and Tottenham head coach, has representatives lobbying on his behalf, but Yahoo Sports reports he does not feature prominently in United’s thinking, and Sky Sports adds the club has doubts about hiring him. Cesc Fàbregas, who manages Como, the side that beat United 4-1 on Wednesday, is also mentioned as a candidate who could appeal to the club, according to Bleacher Report.
What’s At Stake
United have not issued an official statement confirming the shortlist or commenting on Carrick’s future. Carrick addressed questions about his job security after the Como defeat, telling reporters: “Listen, I’ve not given my own position any thought. [My thoughts are] for the supporters, I was one of them watching that and I wasn’t happy at all.”
Carrick addressed questions about his position after the Como defeat. When asked if he could step down, he said: “No. It’s not about me right now and my feelings in that regard.
It’s more of as a team and as a football club, what we want to look like, what we should look like. And as I said, the results can come and go at times, but you got to do it in a certain way. And that wasn’t it.”
Como manager Cesc Fàbregas, whose side beat United 4-1, declined to engage when asked about succeeding Carrick, telling reporters: “I won’t answer that question because I think that’s not a very nice question. I don’t think that shows enough respect to a great footballer and manager like Michael Carrick at the helm of a wonderful Manchester United side.”
United have won just two of 11 matches in all competitions this season and sit 13th in the Premier League, with no victories in their last seven fixtures. The Guardian has described Carrick’s future as in the balance, with United’s hierarchy potentially discussing it before Sunday’s match against Bournemouth, according to USA Today.
The report also lands amid internal scrutiny of United’s football operations. Yahoo Sports reports director of football Jason Wilcox faces criticism over the club’s recruitment decisions, and Sky Sports notes tension between Wilcox and Vivell, the two executives who would likely help lead any managerial search.
What’s Next
Carrick’s side faces Bournemouth on Sunday, a match USA Today reports could factor into discussions among United’s hierarchy about his future. No timeline for a managerial decision has been reported, and Carrick’s position has not officially changed. For background on his current standing at the club, see this report on Carrick’s status ahead of the Bournemouth clash and coverage of United’s worst start in 40 years.
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