{"id":23804,"date":"2026-02-21T17:55:47","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T17:55:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/21\/manchester-uniteds-search-for-next-manager-takes-a-major-turn-as-concerns-over-final-candidates-emerge\/"},"modified":"2026-02-21T17:55:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T17:55:47","slug":"manchester-uniteds-search-for-next-manager-takes-a-major-turn-as-concerns-over-final-candidates-emerge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/21\/manchester-uniteds-search-for-next-manager-takes-a-major-turn-as-concerns-over-final-candidates-emerge\/","title":{"rendered":"Manchester United’s search for next manager takes a major turn as concerns over final candidates emerge"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Manchester United have improved since Michael Carrick was appointed caretaker manager, with calls for the former midfielder to become permanent.<\/h2>\n
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February 21, 2026, 11:01<\/span>Updated February 21, 2026 11:09<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Michael Carrick has impressed as interim manager of Manchester United<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
Michael Carrick is now firmly under consideration to be named Manchester United’s next permanent manager.<\/p>\n
The former England international was hired last month to replace Ruben Amorim and the original plan was for him to be in charge for the remainder of the season.<\/p>\n
United were then expected to pursue a permanent successor to Mr Amorim, which included a number of high-profile candidates.<\/p>\n
However, Carrick got off to a very good start in the dugout, scoring 13 of his 15 goals and defeating Manchester City and Arsenal in the process. And if that were the case, United bosses could be forced to scrap their plans, with The Sun reporting that he is heavily involved.<\/p>\n
The Old Trafford bosses have been hugely impressed by his calm approach and dedication to the academy. Carrick made the 300-mile round trip to Oxford in midweek to watch United’s young players make their breakthrough in the FA Youth Cup.<\/p>\n
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read more: Manchester United star claims failure at Old Trafford ‘could have easily been the best in the world’<\/span><\/span>read more: Arne Slott gives two reasons why Manchester United may have made the wrong decision on Marcus Rashford<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Other candidates have also been removed from United’s candidacy since the beginning of the year. England head coach Thomas Tuchel has fans in the Red Devils boardroom, but he has extended his contract beyond this summer’s World Cup until 2028.<\/p>\n
Roberto de Zerbi was also considered a likely name for the job, but his share price has plummeted since he was sacked by Marseille. There are also questions about whether Italy’s combustible nature will suit United’s needs.<\/p>\n
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has also had his reputation tarnished in recent weeks. He led Palace to the FA Cup last season and was one of the Premier League’s hottest prospects.<\/p>\n
However, since announcing his departure in the summer, his form at Selhurst Park has deteriorated rapidly and fans are calling for the Austrian’s immediate sacking.<\/p>\n
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Thomas Tuchel signs new contract that will keep him as England manager until 2028 (Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
There are also concerns about Glasner’s tendency to play a 3-4-3 formation, which caused many problems during Amorim’s tenure.<\/p>\n
All of this has combined to help Carrick’s case, but he will need to stay in form to be truly considered a front-runner.<\/p>\n
Carrick admitted earlier this week that he was honored to permanently land what he called the “ultimate role”.<\/p>\n
He told the BBC: “It’s not a standard answer. For me, it’s the ultimate role. I really enjoy it and I love what I do. I’m lucky. I’m honored to be in the position I’m in, but it’s not the fact that I believe I can do it and I’m here to do it.”<\/p>\n
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Crystal Palace fans are calling for Oliver Glasner to be sacked (Image: Sebastian Frej\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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“As I said when I joined, there’s also the sentimental side…understanding the role, getting over the club, being here and loving the club and being a supporter, that side is all different. But the fact is, I’m here now to work and to build a good team and be successful.”<\/p>\n
“I haven’t decided how long that will be, but I love being here and I’m going to give it my all while I’m here. And I’m always planning for the long-term future for the benefit of the football club, which I believe is the way it should be.”<\/p>\n
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