Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick is currently in charge as the club search for a permanent manager
Michael Carrick has made an impressive start as Manchester United interim manager(Image: James Fearn, Getty Images)View 2 Images
Michael Carrick is poised to take charge of a crucial fixture in Manchester United's campaign this weekend. The side's transformation under the former midfielder has sparked discussion about whether the 44-year-old deserves the position on a permanent basis.
The interim manager is gearing up to host Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, where victory could improve the club's prospects of securing Champions League qualification. However, numerous other managers have been linked with the role, including Roberto De Zerbi.
United have had an extended break from competitive action and will be eager to recover from last week's frustrating loss to Newcastle. The outcome represented the first defeat under Carrick, who has triumphed in six of his opening eight matches at the helm.
Meanwhile, a United icon has identified the coach he thinks would be an ideal appointment for the club. Here, MEN Sport looks at some of the latest stories surrounding Old Trafford.
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Manager 'keen' on Man Utd job
Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with both the United and Tottenham Hotspur roles as he considers his next managerial appointment. The 46-year-old received widespread praise during his two-year spell at Brighton, where he implemented an attacking approach.
He moved to Marseille in June 2024 and guided his side to second in Ligue 1 last season before departing in February. The Telegraph reports that De Zerbi is 'of interest' to United and features on the club's shortlist of contenders.
The former Sassuolo manager is claimed to be 'keen' on the United position, which could undermine Carrick's chances of remaining beyond this campaign. The report suggests that De Zerbi's "stock remains high" among the United hierarchy, despite his departure from Marseille.
Spurs are also looking at options for their next permanent appointment. However, as Tottenham are currently fighting relegation, United would likely prove a more appealing proposition for De Zerbi.
Roberto De Zerbi has been out of work since leaving Marseille(Image: Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates /Getty Images)View 2 Images
'Dream coach' identified
United legend Patrice Evra reckons Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique would be the ideal appointment for United. The 55-year-old guided PSG to Champions League success last season and is reportedly in discussions to extend his contract but Evra is convinced that the Spanish coach would thrive at United if the club could lure him to Old Trafford.
"I'm not talking to the Man United board or Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but in my honest opinion, with no disrespect to PSG or Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but Luis Enrique would be a dream coach for Man United," the former defender told Stake.
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"I love the man, I love his philosophy, what he went through in his personal life and overcame it shows his personality.
"The job he's done at PSG by bringing them a Champions League without Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, it's a fantastic job. Players would have to work really hard to play for Man United, they'll have to run a lot and I think Enrique would bring that."