Manchester United are searching for a permanent manager and several candidates have been linked - and one Red Devils legend has touted their 'dream' appointment for the job
07:38, 10 Mar 2026
Michael Carrick
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Michael Carrick's Manchester United future beyond the end of the season remains unknown
Michael Carrick is poised to oversee a crucial fixture in Manchester United's campaign next weekend. The caretaker manager is gearing up to take on Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, where victory could dramatically improve the club's chances of securing Champions League qualification.
United have been absent from competitive action for a considerable period and will be eager to recover from last week's deflating loss to Newcastle. That result represented Carrick's first defeat since taking the reins, having triumphed in six of his opening eight matches as boss.
The squad's transformation under the former midfielder has sparked discussion about whether the 44-year-old should be given the job permanently. Nevertheless, numerous other managers have been touted for the position. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the recent stories surrounding Old Trafford.
Manager 'keen' on Man Utd job
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 3: Head Coach Roberto De Zerbi of Olympique de Marseille speaks after the French Cup match between Olympique de Marseille and Stade Rennais at Orange Velodrome on February 3, 2026 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with the Manchester United job(Image: Neal Simpson/Allstar, Getty Images)
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Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with both the United and Tottenham Hotspur positions as he plans his next managerial appointment. The 46-year-old won praise throughout his two seasons at Brighton, where he implemented an attacking approach.
He moved to Marseille in June 2024 and guided the side to runners-up spot in Ligue 1 last term before departing in February. The Telegraph claims that De Zerbi is 'of interest' to United and features on the club's list of potential candidates.
The ex-Sassuolo manager is reportedly 'keen' on the United position, which could scupper Carrick's chances of remaining beyond this campaign. The report suggests that De Zerbi's "stock remains high" amongst the United hierarchy, despite his departure from Marseille.
Spurs are also considering candidates for their next permanent boss. Nevertheless, with Tottenham currently fighting relegation, United would presumably prove a more appealing prospect for De Zerbi.
'Dream coach' identified
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 6: PSG coach Luis Enrique during the Ligue 1 McDonald's football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AS Monaco (ASM) at Parc des Princes stadium on March 6, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
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Luis Enrique is Patrice Evra's 'dream' Manchester United manager(Image: Jean Catuffe, Getty Images)
United legend Patrice Evra believes Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique would represent the ideal appointment for United. The 55-year-old guided PSG to Champions League triumph last season and is reportedly in discussions to extend his deal, but Evra remains convinced the Spanish tactician would flourish at United should the club manage to 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. "I love the man, I love his philosophy, what he went through in his personal life and overcame it shows his personality.
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"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."