Manchester United’s search for a new permanent manager started immediately after Ruben Amorim was sacked in early January. As soon as the news dropped regarding the Portuguese coach’s dismissal, a plethora of names were linked with the vacancy.
INEOS looked to ensure that a steady hand could see the season out and turned to Michael Carrick. The English tactician has made a sensational start to his second reign as interim coach.
Carrick is firmly in the race to become United’s permanent boss, especially if he seals UEFA Champions League qualification. His chances of landing the full-time job have just increased, as one of the top candidates has become unattainable.
No Tuchel time
Thomas Tuchel was at the top of Manchester United’s shortlist of managerial targets if Carrick weren’t kept on. The Reds’ chiefs are reportedly looking to appoint a world-class tactician.
The German has a resume befitting that of a United manager. He led Chelsea to UEFA Champions League glory in the 2020-21 season. He won the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich in 2022-23 and two Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain.
Tuchel was on INEOS’ radar when they studied potential Erik ten Hag replacements in the summer of 2024. They opted to keep the Dutchman on, and the former Blues boss succeeded Gareth Southgate as England manager.
The 52-year-old will lead the Three Lions into this summer’s FIFA World Cup. They are one of the favourites after achieving a perfect qualifying campaign. He was set to leave the role once the tournament concluded in July.
That is no longer the case, and Tuchel has penned a two-year contract extension. He will now take charge of the England national team at Euro 2028. An announcement came from the FA on Thursday (February 12th) along with comments from the manager:
“I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England. It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far of working with my players and coaches, and I cannot wait to lead them to the World Cup. It is an incredible opportunity and we are going to do our very best to make the country proud.”
Tuchel has been faultless during his 13 months managing an English side that is desperate to win their first World Cup since 1966 this summer. He has overseen nine wins in 10 games, winning all of his competitive fixtures, and his only loss came in a 3-1 defeat to Senegal in a friendly.
The German, who Mason Mount hailed as ‘brilliant’ at Chelsea, was in attendance at the London Stadium and watched United draw 1-1 against West Ham United. He might have one or two Reds in his sights for the World Cup and beyond, including Kobbie Mainoo, who continues to leave Amorim with egg on his face.
Who’s left for the Reds?
Tuchel’s decision means his name will be crossed off INEOS’ list. If the club were eyeing the German, it feels as though an approach would have been made before a renewal took place.
That doesn’t mean Carrick will be handed the job, although he is surely now the frontrunner to stay in the Old Trafford dugout next season. Another potential option is Carlo Ancelotti, who will oversee Brazil’s World Cup campaign this summer.
Ancelotti’s contract with Selecao runs until the end of the international competition, meaning the Italian will be available in July. The 66-year-old is the most successful manager in Champions League history, winning the European title five times.
The former Real Madrid boss has Premier League experience, having spent two seasons in charge at Chelsea. He led the Blues to the title in 2009-10 but was dismissed by trigger-happy Roman Abramovich after failing to achieve any trophy success the following season.
Another name in the frame is Mauricio Pochettino, who Gary Neville has touted as a possible contender. The Argentine will coach the co-hosts, the United States, at the World Cup, and he, too, is set to leave his position after the tournament.
The 53-year-old might be a divisive candidate amongst fans given his lack of proven success. While he led PSG to a Ligue 1 title, he was unable to do so in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur.
Pochettino knows English football well, given his five years in charge of Spurs, but there will be concerns over his ability to handle pressure. This was evident when he faltered at Chelsea, a club with a structure similar to United’s at present.
Luis Enrique is a dream appointment, but the Spaniard has made clear he is happy at PSG, where he led the Parisians to their first-ever Champions League triumph last season. Beyond those four, INEOS will struggle to find a world-class tactician they can turn to if Carrick doesn’t remain.
