‘Ex-Chelsea boss or two-time Champions League winner should replace Michael Carrick’
Michael Carrick has made an incredible start to life as Man United’s interim manager after the decision was made to sack Ruben Amorim.
The legendary midfielder led Man United to victory over Man City, with the Red Devils then stunning Arsenal in a 3-2 win at the Emirates, inspired by Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, and Matheus Cunha.
Bruno Fernandes has come back to life at Old Trafford, having been returned to his natural position, while Kobbie Mainoo has finally been unleashed, having struggled for minutes under the last manager.
Ahead of the weekend’s fixtures, Oliver Glasner was the favourite to take over at Man United, with the likes of Roberto de Zerbi, Xabi Alonso, Gareth Southgate, and even Enzo Maresca all linked.
Despite achieving two incredible wins over Man City and the Gunners, Richard Keys still believes that either of these two names would be the ideal candidate to take over.
Thomas Tuchel or Xabi Alonso tipped for the Man United job
Writing on his personal blog (26 January), Keys said: “The decision on whether he gets the job has got to be based on what’s achievable beyond this season. I hope he does get it.
“Regulars know my feelings about backing British coaches, but I’m not sure. I still believe [Thomas] Tuchel or [Xabi] Alonso would be a better idea, but Carrick has got the chance to prove he’s the man.
“And he hasn’t put a foot wrong so far.”
A two-time Champions League winner with Liverpool and Bayern Munich, Alonso has also been tipped to replace Arne Slot at Anfield, with the former Reds midfielder no longer in charge at the Bernabeu.
The England head coach would love to manage Bruno Fernandes
Back in 2021, Tuchel admitted that he would have loved to sign Bruno Fernandes as PSG boss [Sky Sports], describing the player as “indescribable and unbelievable”.
With the superstar now 31 years of age and heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford, his time to work with the player is fading away.
However, Tuchel is unlikely to leave his role as England head coach before the 2026 World Cup, but it remains to be seen what the FA have planned once the tournament concludes.
Alonso would also have put aside his allegiances to Liverpool if he were to take over at Old Trafford, but that is unlikely to go down well with the supporters he once played in front of.
Of course, more and more fans are getting on board with the idea of Carrick staying on as a permanent manager ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos will have final say.