Michael Carrick has ‘put Man United in a difficult position’ after confirmed news
Michael Carrick could force Man United into a difficult position by the end of his interim spell as he has one eye on landing the full-time job.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that moving on from the 44-year-old at the end of his contract may not be as easy as it seems.
As things stand, United have no plans to appoint their interim boss on a permanent basis and will look to other options who become available in the summer.
Football Insider revealed on 11 January that Man United are lining up a “top-class” manager to become their next permanent boss and are drawing up a shortlist.
However, if Carrick leads United to a top-four finish, impresses with his style of play, and gets the fans on his side, it could make their decision tricky.
Michael Carrick to force difficult Man United decision
Brown first told Football Insider immediately after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal that Man United are targeting Carrick to step in until the end of the season.
Carrick was most recently the head coach at Middlesbrough before his dismissal in June 2025, but has been frequently tipped for a role in the Premier League.
“Hiring Carrick is only going to make their lives difficult,” Brown told Football Insider.
“Let’s assume he does a good job there, he gets them into the top four, they’re playing good football, the fans are singing his name every week.
“What does that mean? Are they going to keep him on full-time? That would go completely against what they’ve planned to do when bringing him in.
“They’ve looked at a number of candidates, decided it’s best to appoint an interim manager and wait until their main targets become available.
“But they’re making a rod for their own back with this because it’s a difficult situation. He’s going to want that permanent role and I’m sure he’ll have one eye on it.
“Either he’s a success but then they have to get rid of him, find somebody else and hope they do just as well, and risk the fans being frustrated.
“Or he doesn’t do well and that impacts what they’re able to do going forward.”
Five-man shortlist emerges as Man United eye next manager
Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola, of Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively, are both leading contenders for the position at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is one of the names on their shortlist following his dramatic exit from Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day.
Following this, Football Insider revealed on 11 January that Julian Nagelsmann is an option for Man United, with Christopher Vivell pushing for his appointment.
Lastly, Brown told Football Insider on 13 January that Man United are interested in Thomas Tuchel, who has been on their radar for a while now.
His contract with the FA is set to expire following the World Cup, and many expect him to walk away whether he is successful or not, but he could be tempted to stay.
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