Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 2 April 2026 9:15, UK

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Manchester United are yet to commit to a permanent appointment in the dugout this summer, despite huge confidence that it will be Michael Carrick.

The 44-year-old returned to the club as an interim manager in January and has overseen a transformation at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils now look certain to qualify for the Champions League, and are not even far off the tails of Manchester City.

But decision-makers are keen to still see out an appointment process in the summer, with former experiences leaving them hesitant to rush into anything.

In all likelihood, Carrick will be the next Man United manager, but until confirmation is provided, other candidates remain in contention.

Man United next manager odds race takes twist

Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Mauricio Pochettino would not join Tottenham immediately, with the Argentine set to manage the United States at the World Cup.

The Lilywhites were keen to reunite with their former manager in the wake of Thomas Frank’s departure, but were forced to wait.

Interim manager Igor Tudor was appointed, but lasted just over six weeks before it was mutually decided that he leave as well.

With Pochettino still unavailable, Tottenham have made the permanent appointment of Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian has signed a five-year contract and is expected to lead the North London club forward, even if they are relegated to the Championship.

Pochettino has been mentioned at Old Trafford, too. Considering the way he transformed Tottenham after his 2014 appointment, he could be the man to lead Man United’s comeback.

One major bookmaker has slashed the 54-year-old’s odds of taking the job to 10/1, while Carrick remains the overwhelming favourite at 4/5.

What Pochettino said about future speculation

Pochettino is due to leave his role as manager of the United States this summer, and will hope to mark his exit with a strong World Cup.

His team have lost to Belgium and Portugal in recent days, but will remain confident that they can exit their group as a host nation this summer.

Pochettino is expected to then mark his return to club football, with several teams likely tracking his progress.

“At the moment, I think we are very, very focused, full focus here on the World Cup,” he said when asked about his future this week.

“I think everyone knows that I am committed to the national team here. I think it’s not a point to talk about the future at the moment. Never, say never. In football, everything can happen.”