Manchester United are widening their managerial search as the pressure continues to mount on Michael Carrick, with an experienced European coach now entering the club’s thinking.
The Red Devils have endured a disastrous start to the Premier League season, winning just one of their opening ten matches leaving them in the relegation zone.
Man Utd considering Pochettino, Howe and Nagelsmann
Manchester United are expected to make a decision on Carrick’s future following a meeting involving Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox in Monaco on Wednesday.
According to BBC Sport, Berrada and Wilcox are increasingly likely to recommend a managerial change, although no final decision has been reached.
Carrick has overseen just three victories in 15 matches across all competitions this season, with Sunday’s remarkable 4-4 draw against Aston Villa doing little to ease concerns about United’s performances.
Former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is among the leading contenders to replace him.
The Argentine is reportedly keen on returning to the Premier League despite signing a new contract with the United States national team in August.
Meanwhile, former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann are also being considered. The pair are currently out of work, although like Pochettino a move for Howe would require a compensation fee.
Man Utd also considering Ernesto Valverde
Football FanCast understands that former Barcelona and Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde is another name under consideration at Manchester United as the club weigh up their options.
The 62-year-old is currently available after bringing his third spell in charge of Athletic to an end earlier this year.
Valverde departed the Spanish club in May, having surpassed the 500-match milestone to become the Basque side’s longest-serving manager counting his three spells in charge.
Valverde also guided Barcelona to consecutive La Liga titles in 2017/18 and 2018/19 and secured three Greek league titles with Olympiacos, underlining his experience of delivering domestic success across different competitions.
|
Club |
Competition |
Season(s) |
|---|---|---|
|
Espanyol |
UEFA Cup runner-up |
2006/07 |
|
Olympiacos |
Greek Super League |
2008/09, 2010/11, 2011/12 |
|
Olympiacos |
Greek Football Cup |
2008/09, 2011/12 |
|
Athletic Club |
Copa del Rey |
2023/24 |
|
Athletic Club |
Supercopa de España |
2015 |
|
Athletic Club |
Copa del Rey runner-up |
2014/15 |
|
Barcelona |
La Liga |
2017/18, 2018/19 |
|
Barcelona |
Copa del Rey |
2017/18 |
|
Barcelona |
Supercopa de España |
2018 |
His most recent spell at Athletic was also productive, with the Spaniard guiding the club to their first Copa del Rey triumph in 40 years in 2024 before securing Champions League qualification the following season.
Valverde’s experience of managing elite clubs and competing for major honours could make him an appealing option for United as they look to arrest their decline.
Away from United’s managerial uncertainty, there has also been a potentially significant development concerning the club’s ownership.
Glazers could now sell Man Utd for £5bn
According to talkSPORT, football finance expert Stefan Borson believes the Glazer family may be exploring another sale of Manchester United.
Borson claims to have been informed that a sale process is taking place behind the scenes, although the club’s owners have made no public announcement.
The American family previously considered selling United in 2022, before Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually acquired a minority stake and assumed control of football operations.
Borson believes the Glazers could now be seeking approximately £5bn for the club, although any potential deal would depend on a buyer meeting their valuation.
