Ex-Man Utd Manager ‘Tempted’ by Return as Amorim Sack Talk Grows

A former Manchester United manager is believed to be "tempted" with a return to Old Trafford should the club sack Ruben Amorim.

Pressure continues to mount on the Portuguese manager, who suffered a 17th defeat in 33 games in the Premier League on Saturday when his side were beaten 3-1 by Brentford.

United are 14th in the Premier League table after six games, while they were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town.

According to Simon Stone of BBC Sport, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still backing Amorim - who would be entitled to a healthy £12 million compensation fee if he is given the boot prior to November 1.

However, talkSPORT say United have drawn up a three-manager shortlist which includes Gareth Southgate, Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola.

Former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has also been linked, while a new report states that Michael Carrick would be interested in returning to his old club.

Michael Carrick is believed to be tempted over a return to Man United. Image: Getty

In a column for talkSPORT, Alex Crook claims that Carrick could be persuaded to head back to United - where he has a long association.

Carrick had impressive unbeaten run at Man United

Carrick spent 12 years as a player at United, winning five Premier League titles before hanging up his boots and moving into a coaching role under Jose Mourinho.

He then worked alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and became United's caretaker manager when the Norwegian was dismissed in November 2021.

The former England manager took charge of three games, achieving wins against Villarreal and Arsenal as well as a draw against Chelsea - but left the club when Ralf Rangnick was hired as interim boss.

Carrick took his first permanent managerial job with Middlesbrough in October 2022 when they were in 21st in the Championship, going on to lead the Teeside outfit to the Championship play-offs.

He was touted as a contender for the United hotseat prior to the appointment of Amorim in November 2024 and could be a short-term option nearly a year on.

Carrick was unbeaten in his brief Man United caretaker stint. Image: Getty

After finishing 10th with Middlesbrough last term, Carrick was sacked at the end of the season - just a year on from signing a new three-year contract.

He has recently signed up as a pundit with Amazon Prime Video for their Champions League coverage.

United return to action on Saturday against a Sunderland side who are fifth in the league, before they travel to Anfield to take on champions Liverpool on 19 October after the international break.