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Manchester United have reportedly contacted World Cup-winning head coach Didier Deschamps amid uncertainty over Michael Carrick’s future, but the former France boss is said to have reservations about taking charge at Old Trafford.
Carrick’s position is firmly in the spotlight despite United’s breath-taking UEFA Champions League comeback against Roma on Thursday (AEDT), with Deschamps the latest name to emerge as a potential option.
According to Foot Mercato, Deschamps is among the names being considered should United decide to make a managerial change.
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However, the 58-year-old is reportedly reluctant to take the job, with United’s poor results, criticism of the club’s hierarchy and concerns over recruitment contributing to his apparent hesitation.
The reports come despite United snapping their nine-game winless streak with a 3-2 victory against Roma in Manchester, ahead of a vital Premier League showdown against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.
🚨 EXCLU FM : MANCHESTER UNITED A CONTACTÉ DIDIER DESCHAMPS ! 🇫🇷👀 avec @Santi_J_FM Les Red Devils auraient pris des renseignements auprès du sélectionneur français, qui se retrouve libre de tout engagement depuis son départ de l’Équipe de France. Didier Deschamps sur le banc de Manchester United : une bonne idée selon vous ? 🤔
— Foot Mercato (@footmercato) November 5, 2026
Didier Deschamps: What has been reported?
Foot Mercato claims United have contacted Deschamps in recent days, although there is no confirmation of a formal offer or rejection.
The former France boss is reportedly enjoying time away from management and could wait until next summer before returning to the dugout.
Deschamps has been available since leaving France following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Kylian Mbappe and Co. fell in the semi-finals.
It ended a 14-year reign that delivered World Cup glory in 2018, another final in 2022 and the 2021 UEFA Nations League title.
His previous club roles include Monaco, Juventus and Marseille, although he has not managed at club level since 2012.
Michael Carrick: Where does he stand?
Carrick remains in charge despite mounting scrutiny over United’s results.
His side recovered from 2-0 down to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League, ending a nine-match winless run across all competitions.
Carrick was tipped to be sacked following the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth last month, on the back of a humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, but he was spared the axe.
His position, though, could reportedly be reviewed during the November international break.
United host Aston Villa on Sunday (Monday AEDT) in their final match before that break.
Manchester United’s alarming form
United sit 17th in the Premier League with just seven points from nine matches, having won only once.
Their poor start includes defeats to Bournemouth and Chelsea, while their nine-match winless run before the Roma comeback was their longest across all competitions since 1988.
The Champions League victory provided some relief, but United remain under pressure to turn their domestic season around.
Amid their worst start to a league season in 40 years, another defeat this weekend against Villa, could force the Red Devils into a decision.
Who else has been linked to Manchester United?
Deschamps joins several high-profile names linked with United should the club opt for a managerial change.
Former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is reportedly favoured by director of football Jason Wilcox, while ex-Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann is another name understood to be admired within the club.
Aston Villa’s Unai Emery has also been linked. The Spaniard is viewed by many as the top candidate, although reports suggest he is moving towards a contract extension.
Former Italy, Juventus, Chelsea and Napoli boss Antonio Conte and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Fabian Hurzeler have also featured in speculation.
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