Michael Carrick is in a strong position to be named as Manchester United's next permanent manager, but another bright young coach would be willing to listen to an offer from the Red Devils, according to Marco Materazzi.
United chiefs would have been hopeful of success under Carrick when they named him interim manager in January, but he has likely exceeded all of their expectations.
The 44-year-old has made the Red Devils strong contenders to qualify for next season's Champions League after picking up 23 points from a possible 30 available in the Premier League, while top-four rivals like Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea have faltered.
United currently lie third in the table behind Arsenal and Manchester City, but they remain in pole position to secure a spot in Europe's elite club competition next season with seven games to go.
Carrick's men are six points ahead of Arne Slot's side in fifth, with the Reds also having the extra distraction of facing Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Fabregas 'Would Think About' Man United Offer
Como coach Cesc Fabregas looks on vs AC Milan
According to former Italy international Materazzi, as per Goal, Fabregas would be willing to speak to United about the job if he was approached.
GIVEMESPORT sources understand that along with Carrick, the other managers that United chiefs could consider include Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martinez of Portugal, both of whom will be leading those nations at the 2026 World Cup this summer.
GMS understands that United are ready to make approaches to Carrick alternatives this month.
Fabregas could be a dark horse to be in the conversation too and, despite his links with Arsenal and Chelsea previously, he would be willing to consider taking over at Old Trafford.
Materazzi said: "If Manchester United asked Cesc Fabregas he would think about it. Chelsea too.
"Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are all very big teams in the Premier League, but Como is a club with a lot of money and I don’t know if Fabregas wants to try and stay one more year to take Como to the Champions League and show what he can do."
It might be difficult for Fabregas to leave Como right now, as Materazzi says, given they currently lie in fourth position in Serie A and are on course to qualify for the Champions League.
Why Fabregas Must be Considered by United
Cesc Fabregas
While the Spaniard may not be right at the top of United's list, he should at least be someone they consider after the amazing job he has done with Como.
To be in fourth position in just their second season back in Serie A shows what a remarkable job the 38-year-old has done, while the likes of Nico Paz have flourished under his leadership.
Fabregas has been described as the 'next elite coach' by Como scout Ben Mattinson, and he looks destined to have a hugely successful managerial career.
Whether that comes at Old Trafford in the next few months remains to be seen, but he must be on the club's radar after the job he has done in Italy.