Michael Carrick's position as Manchester United head coach is under serious threat after a dismal start to the season, and the club could turn to a pool of free-agent managers to replace him. Following a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth and a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League, the 45-year-old's future at Old Trafford looks uncertain.
Carrick's struggles this season
After guiding United to third place in the Premier League last season, Carrick was handed the permanent job in the summer. He was given just £153 million for transfers, which was spent on midfield reinforcements. However, the current campaign has been woeful, with the team languishing towards the bottom of the table.
During the Bournemouth match, chants of "sacked in the morning" echoed from the Cherries' travelling supporters. While the Old Trafford faithful applauded Carrick as he headed down the tunnel, the consensus among pundits and fans appears to be that he has overseen his final match in the United technical area.
Seven potential successors
An interim appointment such as Darren Fletcher could be deployed once again should Carrick be dismissed, before the club turns its attention towards one of numerous elite free-agent coaches. Here are seven potential successors who are without a club right now.
Eddie Howe has emerged as a leading contender. He departed Newcastle in July following nearly five years in charge and is currently taking a break from management. During his tenure, Howe led the Magpies to Champions League football and claimed the Carabao Cup in 2025. His earlier spell at Bournemouth proved equally remarkable, guiding the Cherries to the Championship title in 2015 and securing promotion to the Premier League.
Antonio Conte, the former Chelsea and Spurs boss, has publicly addressed the prospect of taking the reins at United. Most recently in charge at Napoli, the Italian is a five-time Serie A winner, having departed Naples in June following his 2024/25 title triumph. His time at Stamford Bridge also yielded the Premier League and FA Cup. In a lengthy statement released earlier this month, Conte claimed he remains open to future projects but is not in any negotiations with United or any other club.
Julian Nagelsmann stepped down from his position as Germany head coach following their disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign and currently remains without a club. He previously took charge of Hoffenheim, where he became the youngest manager in Bundesliga history, before moving to RB Leipzig, whom he guided to the Champions League semi-finals. He subsequently experienced a spell at Bayern Munich and has attracted interest from leading English clubs in the past.
Kieran McKenna, a former United coach, understands what is required to operate at the club. McKenna oversaw United's Under-18s and served under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with the senior squad. He subsequently departed to take charge of Ipswich Town, where he secured consecutive promotions to reach the Premier League. He has been on a planned break since leaving the Tractor Boys in June, and is a lifelong United supporter. However, it has been suggested that a substantial compensation package would prove an obstacle for any club wishing to appoint him.
International and club options
Gareth Southgate's name has been mentioned in connection with United since he resigned as England manager in July 2024. Under Southgate's stewardship, the Three Lions reached a World Cup semi-final and successive Euros finals. His sole experience in club management with Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009 proved unmemorable, but he has previously indicated that he would contemplate a return to club football if the opportunity was suitable.
Roberto Martinez, another former international manager currently available, has consistently been held in high regard. The Spaniard enjoyed stints with Swansea City, Wigan - where he lifted the FA Cup - and Everton before steering Belgium to third place at the 2018 World Cup. His most recent role came with Portugal, where he claimed the Nations League trophy. His relationship with stars such as Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot could place him in contention, though he remains an outside bet.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains available after being sacked by Besiktas in August 2025. Many supporters warmed to the Norwegian during his tenure as manager from 2018 to 2021, and his name resurfaced following Ruben Amorim's departure. The hierarchy may be reluctant to acknowledge they erred in dismissing him five years ago by reinstating him.
