Manchester United are continuing their hunt to appoint a new permanent manager for next season.
The Red Devils finally brought an end to the tenure of Ruben Amorim in January after 14 months in charge, where he struggled to string together positive results throughout his time in charge. The club eventually replaced him with iconic midfielder Michael Carrick on an interim basis until the end of the season.
Carrick has done a terrific job so far, getting the team to the brink of Champions League qualification, but INEOS are still considering all their options as to who will be the man in the dugout next season. It has now emerged via a report by ESPN that club chiefs have put together a five-man shortlist for the role.
Man Utd Have Five-Man Shortlist for Next Manager
Manchester United senior officials Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada look on
While Carrick has been linked with the post on a permanent basis after his run of form, it has now emerged that there are five leading contenders for the role at Old Trafford this summer, and he is not among them, despite impressing club officials since his arrival.
GIVEMESPORT has taken a look at the five names who are reportedly leading the race for the job.
1. Julian Nagelsmann
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann singing the national anthem
The current manager of Germany's senior national team, Nagelsmann is considered to be one of the very best managers in the world, despite being just 38 years old.
Having previously won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich and risen to prominence with RB Leipzig, Nagelsmann led the national team to the quarter-finals at Euro 2024, and is expected to oversee a successful World Cup this summer. His contract runs until 2028, but there is a chance he could leave after this tournament.
His exciting style of football would no doubt entice fans to buy in, but having been out of the club scene for several years and not having ever managed in the Premier League, it would certainly be a gamble.
2. Unai Emery
Unai Emery
Unai Emery is considered by many to be one of the top managers in the Premier League currently after the job he has done with Aston Villa, and he is now being eyed up by chiefs at Old Trafford.
The Spaniard has previously struggled at big jobs with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, but he has shown in the past that he is capable of getting the maximum out of his players and achieving great things.
One issue may be the fact that he demands full control over football at whatever clubs he is at, including transfers, which may not line up with INEOS' plans and structure, but they are certainly keeping an eye on his situation.
3. Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner
The Austrian has done a superb job at Crystal Palace in recent years, winning them the first major trophy in their history when he lifted the FA Cup last season, and he is now set to depart when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
Having Premier League experience and being a free agent are likely big factors in Glasner being considered for the role, while he also plays a similar formation to Ruben Amorim, with wing-backs rather than wingers.
This season has seen him get figured out a little bit, and his pragmatic style is unlikely to excite fans, but he has done a great job in the top-flight and may have earned an opportunity to have a crack at one of the biggest jobs in world football.
4. Andoni Iraola
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola watching on from the touchline
Iraola is one of the most sought-after managers heading into the summer, with his current contract set to expire at Bournemouth at the end of the season, and no new agreement found yet.
Several clubs are interested, including Man Utd, who are keen to hire someone who plays attacking football, and Iraola has impressed with the way he has handled the fact that a number of key players were sold by the club over the last 12 months.
United will no doubt face competition for his signature, but Iraola could be the next young manager to enter the elite bracket, and they will want to be the beneficiaries of that should it come to fruition.
5. Roberto De Zerbi
Former Marseille and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi
De Zerbi has previously been linked with the post at Old Trafford, after leaving Brighton, before the club opted to keep hold of Erik Ten Hag. He has since gone to Marseille and impressed with his attacking style once again, although he resigned earlier this season following some real struggles on and off the pitch.
A huge character, it would be a gamble for the club to bring him in, but his tactical nous and front-footed style will no doubt see many fans put him at the top of their shortlist too.
Jamie Carragher Makes Emery His Favourite
Jamie Carragher performing media duties
While Man Utd are yet to make a final decision on who they will target as their top choice, Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has revealed in his latest column for The Telegraph that he feels Emery should be the number one candidate.
"For Emery not to be under serious consideration says plenty about modern football," he wrote.
"By any metric, he would be the perfect coach to revive United. For me, only Pep Guardiola ranks higher of those currently managing in England.
"Here is a manager who wins trophies, has a clear football vision, a track record of revitalising clubs in need of a mini-revolution to break into the Champions League, and who demands respect while leading with authority. Add the fact he is now proven in the Premier League, and such coaches are in short supply."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe Related
Senior Man Utd Figures Now Believe 'World-Class' Manager is Joining Tottenham
Both sides are in the market for a new manager.