Man Utd contact shock manager that nobody has mentioned in hunt for Michael Carrick replacement

Manchester United have contacted former France head coach Didier Deschamps over potentially replacing Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, it has been reported.

Deschamps, 58, resigned from his role as France head coach after 14 years in charge following the 2026 World Cup and is currently out of work.

According to Foot Mercato's Santi Aouna, United have made 'inquiries' about potentially appointing the Frenchman as they continue their search for a new head coach - but his arrival at Old Trafford appears to look far from straightforward.

Didier Deschamps to Man Utd?

Aouna reports that United have made an approach to Deschamps in 'recent days', though the 58-year-old is said to be not 'entirely keen' on taking over at Old Trafford.

But that doesn't appear to have ruled out his chances of becoming Carrick's successor, with the report noting that his future is 'still uncertain'. It is said that he is willing to wait until the next transfer window - which may suit United, if they choose to make a change, as they look for the right candidate.

For the moment, Carrick is still firmly in the hotseat and appeared to have his position boosted by United's superb 3-2 comeback win over Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

But United sit 17th in the Premier League after nine games, and are only separated from the relegation zone by goal difference. Should they lose to Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday - their final match before the upcoming international break - minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS could decide to act.

The other managers in the Man Utd race

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are both believed to be in the running to take over from Carrick if United do make a change.

According to reports, United's director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is believed to be keen on Nagelsmann, who resigned as Germany manager after the World Cup and was previously in charge of Bayern Munich, to be named as Carrick's successor. But technical director Jason Wilcox is said to favour an English manager with Premier League experience in the form of Howe, who left Newcastle in the summer after over four-and-a-half years in charge.

Antonio Conte has also been linked with the role after leaving Napoli, but the Italian posted a lengthy statement to Instagram denying that he has held talks with any club over taking over as their manager.

He said there were 'currently no negotiations at an advanced stage', and added: "I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my 'strong personality'. These reports are unfounded, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments.

"Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties' needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager."

More to follow...