Michael Carrick has guided Man Utd to third in the Premier League table since his interim appointment in January.
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Michael Carrick pictured at St. James' Park.(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick looked at home when he spoke after Manchester United's win against Crystal Palace. United had just moved to third in the Premier League table, extending Carrick's unbeaten run.
"This place means a lot to me, so to have some positivity and everyone enjoying coming to the games, of course it feels good," he said. "The players have to take a lot of credit for that, certainly not all me, but that connection with the supporters is huge."
Carrick was the most relaxed he'd been since his appointment during that post-match press conference. He looked content, laughs were shared with journalists, and the feeling that it was now Carrick's job to lose was impossible to shake.
Carrick has suffered his first defeat since that game. United were beaten by Newcastle at St. James' Park, despite playing against 10 men for the second half, and the defeat was not a surprise given the dip in performances against Palace, Everton and West Ham.
Although United secured seven points from a possible nine during that run, the Reds had not been as impressive, and there were concerns about the lack of opportunities fashioned in the final third.
The performance dip suggested a defeat was coming, and it was no surprise that it happened at St. James' Park, a hostile venue where United have not won with fans in attendance since January 2018.
Carrick said he was "bitterly disappointed" by his team's performance, but it's certainly not the time to hit the panic button. United lost to a 89th-minute winner at an atmospheric ground. They remain third in the Premier League table after an excellent start from Carrick to his interim tenure.
Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks dejected after William Osula of Newcastle United (not pictured) scores his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park on March 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England
United were beaten 2-1 at St. James' Park.(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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The 44-year-old has overachieved since his return in January, exceeding expectations, and should be hired on a permanent basis if he guides the club into the Champions League, provided that elite managers are not available.
Who falls into the elite category? Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann are two who should be considered ahead of Carrick, regardless of what he achieves this season. They have a proven record of success at the highest level, and have achieved more than Carrick in their careers.
United should court Enrique and Nagelsmann to gauge interest in taking the job. Enrique has won the Champions League twice, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and has delivered domestic trophies for both clubs.
Enrique's contract in Paris expires in the summer of 2027, which means there could be a window of opportunity for United, especially following reports of the Spaniard being ready for a new challenge.
Nagelsmann would be more difficult to appoint. He is contracted with Germany's national team until 2028 and will manage at the World Cup in the United States this summer. United need clarity on their managerial situation before the World Cup, they cannot wait.
A potential appointment of Nagelsmann would have to be announced before the World Cup, but there would be a managerial void at Carrington while he coached Germany at the tournament. That point alone makes Nagelsmann highly unlikely, although he does have strong links with United director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.
Enrique would be an elite appointment.(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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However, if an elite manager is not available, and Carrick guides United into the Champions League, the job should be his. Oliver Glasner, Robert De Zerbi, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva are candidates, but the jump to United from the clubs they have managed in the Premier League is massive.
Glasner won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt and the FA Cup with Crystal Palace, but he plays with a back five and has a fractured relationship with Palace's board over media comments. Ruben Amorim was sacked by United because he talked himself out of a job following defeat at Elland Road.
United experimented with a back five manager and it did not work. Glasner's system has different principles to Amorim's, but playing with a defensive five goes against United's traditional values.
De Zerbi was recently sacked by Marseille. If he wasn't good enough for Marseille, he isn't good enough for United. There are also red flags with De Zerbi. He blew up during a training session, ranting at Ismael Kone, which led to his departure from Marseille. It wasn't a good look, or the type of behaviour from a coach you would associate with United.
Iraola and Silva have done a good job at Bournemouth and Fulham respectively, but managing the most scrutinised club in England is a different beast. Carrick is already in the building and performing well.
United must complete due diligence and consider a wide range of coaches, but Carrick is the leading candidate if an elite manager is unavailable. And the managerial market suggests an elite manager is unlikely.