Man Utd Add Shock Manager to Four-Man Shortlist to Replace Michael Carrick

Manchester United have identified their main targets to replace Michael Carrick as manager following the end of the season.

Following his dramatic post-match comments after a draw with Leeds United and a reported heated meeting with club officials, Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United.

Since then, several names have been linked with taking over as interim manager while the club consider options for their next permanent boss.

Despite former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returning for conversations regarding the role, it is now widely believed that Carrick will be appointed by United in the coming days.

But it appears that United have already started the preparations for Carrick's departure as they are believed to have drawn up a four-man list of targets that includes one ambitious name.

Michael Carrick is expected to be appointed as United's interim manager. (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The summer ahead of the 2026-27 season is expected to see a lot of top managers become available, explaining United's hesitation to appoint a new permanent boss immediately after sacking Amoirm.

Both Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola have been linked with United amid reports that they will leave their current clubs following the expiration of their contracts this summer.

However, a new report from the Daily Express has claimed that neither of the Premier League bosses are on the current four-man shortlist that United owners INEOS have put together.

Instead, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is said to be the name at the top of the list of targets, with the United board eager to appoint someone who can deal with the pressure and expectations that come with the role

Having won nine major trophies with Barcelona, including the Champions League in 2015 and another ten with PSG, including a second Champions League title, securing Enrique's signature would be seen as a major coup for United.

Therefore, INEOS have three other ideal targets, with Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino also included on the list.

Luis Enrique is reportedly United's top replacement for Carrick. Image: Getty

Both Tuchel and Pochettino will be busy over the summer, leading England and the USA respectively, as the https://www.sportbible.com/football-world-cup

kicks off across North America.

When Tuchel was confirmed as Gareth Southgate's replacement in 2024, it was revealed that he had only signed a short-term contract until the end of the 2026 World Cup finals, leaving his future unclear.

Likewise, Pochettino's two-year contract was signed in September 2024, leaving him available to return to club football shortly after the World Cup.

Perhaps the most realistic of the four names reported to be on United's shortlist is Enzo Maresca, who was sacked by Chelsea's board on New Year's Day following a sudden and dramatic fallout with senior figures at the club.