Ciaran Morrison

Tue 17 March 2026 6:00, UK

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Manchester United fans would like to see interim boss Michael Carrick become the club’s next permanent manager.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, despite Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann being a potential candidate for the role.

Nagelsmann has a contract running with the German national team until 2028, with the 38-year-old having managed Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich previously in the Bundesliga.

Carrick is the favourite to become the next Man United manager, with the Red Devils on track for Champions League qualification thanks to his successful spell in charge.

Michael Carrick deserves ‘proper chance’ at Man United

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – states that Nagelsmann’s appointment at Man United would be “complicated” by this summer’s World Cup.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks the Red Devils would find it “very hard” not to appoint Carrick on a permanent basis.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It would obviously be complicated by the World Cup situation, but he is still considered a very talented guy. 

“He’s got some views on the academy as well at United. So he’s one, I think of all the outsiders, the ones that are being mentioned right now, he could be a potential one, but I still think it’d be very hard for them to get rid of Carrick now that he seems to be progressing well.

“And if they do get in that top three or four, it’d be very hard. And the fans, I think, would want to see him given a proper chance next season.”  

Man United face battle for Adam Wharton’s signature

Sources have told Football Insider that Man United remain interested in signing Adam Wharton in the summer transfer window.

The Crystal Palace star is also wanted by Liverpool and Chelsea, but Man United need a new midfielder to replace the departing Casemiro.

The 22-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders, and he is expected to be named in England’s World Cup squad.