Manchester United’s hunt for a new permanent manager now sees a narrowed shortlist, which continues to shrink in favour of Michael Carrick.
There are just seven games left of this Premier League season, and Manchester United appears no closer to appointing the next permanent head coach.
Michael Carrick is considered among the leaders, with his work for the club as interim, stacking up against any other head coach at United in the past 13 years.
The options for United seem pretty simple right now: Carrick, Julian Nagelsmann, and Luis Enrique are the three possibilities, with each having pros and cons. But now Carrick’s had another boost.
Luis Enrique waves.
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
Who do you think will be Man Utd manager at the start of the 2026/27 season?
🔮 Let us know who you believe will and should be in charge? Who will Ineos appoint?
Manchester United Announce Plans to Build New World Class Stadium
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Luis Enrique set to sign new contract with PSG amid Manchester United links
While Carrick is quickly establishing himself as deserving of the chance to get the role permanently, the allure of appointing a true world-class head coach would be hard to pass up.
Enrique fits into this mould. However, despite United links to Enrique, now The I Sport has claimed that the Spaniard is off the table.
According to the report, Enrique is set to reject United in favour of signing a new contract with PSG.
More United News
This comes with the PSG boss happy in the French capital as he chases a second successive Champions League crown. United saw Enrique as a top target for the manager role, although PSG are now adamant he won’t be going anywhere this summer.
Enrique dropping out of the options list won’t be bad news for everyone. Wayne Rooney already warned United about Enrique, and now this decision moves the Red Devils a step closer to Carrick.
Do you agree? Is Michael Carrick the best managerial option?
Is Champions League qualification enough? Or do you need to see more?
Wayne Rooney Michael Carrick
Getty Images
Michael Carrick’s managerial rivals continue to drop like flies
With Enrique not an option, United now seem to have the choice of Carrick or Nagelsmann.
Rooney has predicted Carrick will get the job if he can hold onto Champions League football, which looks increasingly certain.
This was the original target set by United for Carrick, so achieving it surely sets him on his way to be appointed permanently. While the lack of options who would definitely be an upgrade only adds to the certainty.
Right now, Carrick is the clear standout for United. He just needs to see out the next seven games in a similarly impressive fashion.
It is effectively his to lose at this stage, with the players clearly in favour.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox