The hunt for Manchester United’s next permanent manager could take a twist, with a name considered among Ineos’ favourites now on the chopping block.
While Michael Carrick’s dream start at Manchester United will have his hat in the ring, Ineos is still likely to conduct a thorough recruitment process.
United fans are convinced Carrick should be the next permanent boss after back-to-back wins over City and Arsenal.
This is certainly enough to get himself in the conversation, but Ineos still has a few preferred options more experienced. But one might be about to find himself sacked.
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?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Roberto De Zerbi is in trouble at Marseille after Champions League failure
While we are a long way from United settling on a next permanent manager, planning will be underway no matter how well Carrick is doing right now.
Roberto De Zerbi emerged as one of Ineos’ two favourites to get the job, alongside Thomas Tuchel, and now the Italian might be about to lose the chance.
Roberto De Zerbi in the dugout as Marseille take on Bayeux FC in the French Cup
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
While De Zerbi is a very talented coach, he is now under scrutiny at Marseille, which could end in dismissal.
More United News
This is according to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, who claims that De Zerbi’s failure to secure a spot in the Champions League knockout stage has meant he is in serious danger.
He adds that discussions are now underway between both parties to finalise a decision one way or another.
Being dismissed from his post at Marseille for failing to live up to their standards wouldn’t exactly impress Ineos or put him in the driver’s seat to take charge at Old Trafford, which is a much bigger job.
Marseille were thrashed by Club Brugge on Wednesday night in a result which knocked the Ligue 1 side out of the competition.
Would you want Roberto de Zerbi to be Manchester United’s next permanent manager?
What reasons for and against stand out to you?
Roberto De Zerbi on the touchline giving instructions.
Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates /Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Another hurdle could be removed for Michael Carrick at Manchester United
It is clear that Ineos is ideally not keen to appoint Carrick permanently, with knowledge of the interim Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spell being a false dawn for the club.
However, if Carrick continues along these lines, he might be hard to deny, with contenders also falling away.
Oliver Glasner’s stock has dropped considerably in recent weeks after he lost to Macclesfield and also made a public show of his discontent at his bosses – something we know Ineos hate.
De Zerbi is the latest to take a hit, and his chances look slimmer than ever if Ineos is to pick the best candidate.
Advantage Carrick, although maybe he is just the best option anyway.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox