Man Utd fans stunned as club 'add' shock name to manager shortlist
A surprise name has been added to Manchester United's managerial shortlist ahead of this summer, it has been reported.
Michael Carrick is currently in the role on an interim basis until the end of the season, having replaced the sacked Ruben Amorim last month.
United have won five of their six matches during Carrick's reign, with the other being a 1-1 draw against West Ham.
Carrick has attempted to distance himself from speculation that he is aiming to stay at the club beyond the end of the season, although did tell BBC Sport's Mark Chapman earlier in February: "I don't decide how long that is going to be [how long he stays], but I love being here, and while I am, I'll give everything I can and plan for the long-term future and benefit of the club. That's how I believe it should be."
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United's long-term plan, it appears, is to appoint a permanent successor to Amorim this summer.
Former England boss Gareth Southgate, current England boss Thomas Tuchel, and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner have all been linked with the role in recent weeks.
Tuchel has now been crossed off the shortlist after agreeing a contract extension with the Three Lions, while Glasner could become available before the end of the season.
The Austrian announced in January that he will leave his role at Selhurst Park this summer, but has overseen a dire run of form since that announcement and publicly criticised the club's supporters after a 1-1 draw against Zrinjski in the Europa Conference League.
Whether the last month has done significant harm to Glasner's reputation, as far as finding a new club is concerned, is unclear - but United have reportedly added a new name to their shortlist.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, United chiefs have held 'internal discussions' about the possibility of appointing Portugal boss Roberto Martinez after the World Cup concludes this summer.
Martinez, 52, had spells in the Premier League with Wigan Athletic and Everton, keeping the former in the top flight for several seasons on one of the division's lowest budgets.
The 2012/13 season ended with the Spaniard guiding the Latics to FA Cup success but also relegation, and he left the club that summer to replace David Moyes at Everton.
His first season as Toffees boss was extremely successful, as Gareth Barry, James McCarthy, Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku all proved to be key acquisitions.
Everton were in the top four places towards the end of the campaign but ultimately dropped down to fifth.
But Martinez couldn't replicate that success in the subsequent seasons, with an 11th-placed finish causing unrest among Everton supporters about his future.
The Spaniard was sacked with Everton in 12th place ahead of the final game of the 2015/16 season.
He has since rebuilt himself with spells in international management with Belgium and Portugal, leading the latter to the 2024/25 Nations League title.
That has led to him often being mentioned when high-profile vacancies arise - though United fans largely seem to have not reacted well to reports that he could become their new manager.
"Let's hope that one stays internal," one wrote.
"This must be a joke," a second said.
While a third stated: "I'd rather keep Carrick. Appointing Roberto Martinez is a step back."
Topics: Roberto Martinez, Portugal, Michael Carrick, Football, Premier League, Fan Reactions, Man Utd
Ryan Smart