Teddy Sheringham has admitted he would be very disappointed if Manchester United fail to appoint Michael Carrick as their permanent manager at the end of the season. However, the club could frustrate their former striker, as reports suggest Julian Nagelsmann is among their targets.
Carrick's Impact as Interim Boss
Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January, ex-United midfielder Carrick—who left his role as Middlesbrough boss in June 2025—was brought in to steady the ship until the end of the campaign. In his second spell as caretaker, he has transformed the team's fortunes, winning eight of his 12 Premier League matches in charge and virtually securing Champions League qualification for next season.
Numerous voices have called for him to be given the job permanently, including Sheringham, who could be left furious if the club pursue another long-term successor to Amorim.
Sheringham's Verdict
Speaking to talkSPORT, Sheringham made a revealing statement about Carrick's prospects: "Michael Carrick's gone in there, he's done an unbelievable job. And it just shows you what can be done if you've got the right approach, if you get on the right wavelength with players, things turn around very, very quickly. So he's gone in there, he's had that reaction from him, and they've gone on from there. I'd be very disappointed in Man United if they didn't give Michael Carrick the job. I think he's been fantastic since he's gone in there."
Club's Stance and Other Contenders
Yet The Guardian reports that while Carrick has impressed the club's hierarchy, Germany manager Nagelsmann is also on United's radar, and no decision will be reached until the current campaign concludes. Several other names have also been put forward as contenders for the position.
Carrick's Response
Carrick himself has remained tight-lipped on the subject, saying last week: "I'm not sure, it's not something in terms of deadline that I'm really chasing. It will become clear when it becomes clear. I'm here at the moment to help the team and the club get results. At the moment, we're doing alright. We can keep pushing and get better and that's generally all I'm focused on right now. I've said it many times, I enjoy being here, I enjoy the role I'm in. We've had some good results and we're in decent shape. There's a lot to go, we want to keep improving. There's layers that we want to get to. I'll see. I keep saying the same things in front of you every week, there's only so much I can say, but I enjoy being here, I love being here, it's a real privilege to be in the position I am, thriving with the responsibility that we've got."
