Manchester United’s managerial search may finally be coming to an end as one candidate takes a clear lead in the race for the head coach role.
Manchester United are looking for their next permanent head coach following Rúben Amorim’s dismissal after his comments in the post-match press conference of the 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
Amorim claimed he was the “manager” of United, rather than the “head coach” title that was confirmed during his sacking statement. Michael Carrick has taken charge until the end of the season, following a brief spell under Darren Fletcher’s guidance.
Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox must decide on a new manager before the end of the season if they want them to be in place for pre-season, although their main targets appear to be World Cup coaches, who will be unavailable until after pre-season has begun.
This gives Carrick an edge over other candidates, but a recent report has indicated that United are likely to favour managers with experience, rather than hot prospects.
United’s “preferred choice”
United’s recent draw against West Ham United appears to have kicked the managerial hunt into gear, as Thomas Tuchel has now been named as the “preferred choice”, as per MEN.
Luis Enrique, who is believed to be another top target, looks set to sign a contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain, and he’s not the only one who could turn United down.
Carlo Ancelotti seems to have no interest in taking the United job, while Mauricio Pochettino seems to have fallen down the shortlist.
Tuchel’s experience across top clubs seems to have given him the edge over current boss Michael Carrick, but he is unlikely to accept a head coach position.
Tuchel favours manager role
In truth, there is not a great deal of difference between a manager and a head coach – the main one is the amount of control.
At Chelsea, Tuchel was known as a manager until the new ownership appeared to undermine him, at which point results tumbled, and he left the club. It won’t be any different at Old Trafford.
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If INEOS prefer a head coach, as they are believed to do, many top managers will stay clear, leaving Michael Carrick as the best option for the full-time role.
Carrick could see United into pre-season, even if he doesn’t become the permanent head coach, with Tuchel unavailable until after the World Cup.
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