Michael Carrick has put himself firmly in contention to remain Manchester United manager beyond the end of the season but the hunt for a permament boss is set to rumble on
Crsitiano Ronaldo (R) speaks with his agent Jorge Mendes (R) after his signing contract renewal For Real Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 15, 2013
Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes had a man in mind for Man United(Image: Getty Images)
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Cristiano Ronaldo's agent touted Julen Lopetegui for the Manchester United manager in 2021 - and now the former Wolves boss is keen on a Premier League return.
United are currently being managed by Michael Carrick on an interim basis. The ex-club captain has been impressive so far at the helm, winning five out of six matches in charge and remaining unbeaten.
Carrick is in place until the end of the season and is making his case for the permanent position. A managerial search is set to reach a head in the summer, with the World Cup a factor for many potential candidates - including Lopetegui.
The former Premier League boss is now the head coach of the Qatar national team after managing the likes of Real Madrid, Wolves and West Ham. Jorge Mendes, who represents United icon Ronaldo, previously tipped Lopetegui for the job after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in 2021.
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Mendes was pushing for the 59-year-old to replace Solskjaer while he was working at Sevilla. Carrick moved in as interim boss in 2021 too and was replaced by caretaker Ralf Rangnick, before Erik ten Hag took the full-time position.
Lopetegui may not have moved to Manchester when Mendes was pushing for his appointment but he is now keen on returning to the Premier League. Speaking to World Soccer, the current national team manager admits his dream is to return to work in England's top flight.
Julen Lopetegui, Head Coach of Qatar, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Uzbekistan and Qatar at Milliy Stadioni on June 10, 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Lopetegui wants a Premier League return(Image: Anvar Ilyasov/Getty Images)
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When asked if he will return to England, Lopetegui said: "Why not? For sure, one of my aims in the future is to come back to the Premier League again.
"But now we have a big, big aim in front of us – to go to one World Cup. My dream."
These words could place Lopetegui on United's shortlist for their next head coach. There will be a number of names on the club's radar, including Gareth Southgate and Oliver Glasner - but Carrick is one that fans are clamouring for.
The 44-year-old is also keen on the position, telling BBC Sport it is his dream to become the permanent boss. He said: "It's not a stock answer - for me, it's the ultimate role.
"I'm really enjoying it, I love what I'm doing. I'm fortunate. I feel privileged to be in the position I am, but it's not the fact that I believe I can do it and I'm here to do it."
Carrick will face fellow United target Glasner at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon as United take on Crystal Palace. The team aim to secure another win and strengthen their position in the fight for Champions League qualification.