One potential candidate for the Manchester United head coach role is set to be available after the 2026 World Cup and those at Old Trafford admire him.
Michael Carrick led his first Manchester United training session on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s derby against Manchester City.
United are still searching for their first win of 2026 after a difficult start to the year, drawing with Leeds United and Burnley before being knocked out of the FA Cup at home by Brighton — a run that saw Ruben Amorim dismissed as head coach.
Carrick has been appointed until the end of the season, with the clash against City marking his first match in charge. He previously served as interim boss in November 2021, recording wins over Arsenal and Villarreal and a draw with then-league leaders Chelsea.
Once the season ends, United will look at making a long-term appointment and United fans are hoping that those in charge will make the right decision.
United ‘have always admired’ ex-Premier League manager
One manager who United have been regularly linked with in recent years is Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently in charge of the USA national team.
Pochettino was an option for United when they appointed Erik ten Hag in 2022 and many fans have always suggested that the Argentine would end up at Old Trafford.
According to Alex Crook, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss is someone the United hierarchy ‘have always admired’. Crook also claimed that Pochettino will likely be available after USA ‘inevitably crash out quite early’ in the 2026 World Cup.
The reporter explained: “Mauricio Pochettino is someone who the hierarchy have always admired and I think he’ll come available when the USA inevitably crash out quite early in this World Cup.
Some United fans would claim that a move for Pochettino has come eight years too late and that he is no longer the manager the team needs to move forward.
World Cup will have impact on United’s decision
The upcoming World Cup does seem like it could have a major impact on United’s managerial plans, with several potential targets currently national team managers.
Thomas Tuchel is an obvious candidate and he is the manager of the England national team. Julian Nagelsmann, the current Germany boss, is another coach who could be a good option at Old Trafford.
With the current managerial market looking slim, United’s best option could end up coming from a national team job, although that would mean that they start work later in the summer.
That is what happened when Louis van Gaal took charge in 2014, with the experienced manager joining up with the club after the Netherlands were knocked out of the World Cup at the semi-final stage.
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