Michael Carrrick is in charge of Manchester United on an iterim basis as the club search for a new permanent manager
Michael Carrick is set to oversee a pivotal match in Manchester United’s season next weekend. The interim boss is preparing to face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, where a win could significantly boost the club’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
United have been out of action for an extended spell and will be looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointing defeat to Newcastle. The result marked the first loss under Carrick, who has won six of his first eight games in charge.
The team’s change in form under the ex-midfielder has fuelled debates over whether the 44-year-old should be given the job permanently. However, several other managers have been linked with the vacancy.
Meanwhile, a United legend has named the coach he believes would be a perfect fit for the club. Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the latest headlines around Old Trafford.
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Manager ‘keen’ on Man Utd job
Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with both the United and Tottenham Hotspur jobs as he plots his next managerial move. The 46-year-old earned plaudits during his two years at Brighton, where he deployed an attacking style.
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He joined Marseille in June 2024 and led the club to second place in Ligue 1 last season before parting ways in February. The Telegraph reports that De Zerbi is ‘of interest’ to United and is included on the club’s shortlist of candidates.
The former Sassuolo boss is said to be ‘keen’ on the United job, which could damage Carrick’s hopes of staying on beyond this season. The report adds that De Zerbi’s “stock remains high” with the United hierarchy, despite leaving Marseille.
Spurs are also weighing up options for their next permanent manager. However, as Tottenham are currently battling relegation, United would likely be a more attractive option for De Zerbi.
‘Dream coach’ named
United legend Patrice Evra believes Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique would be the perfect appointment for United. The 55-year-old led PSG to Champions League glory last term and is reportedly in talks to extend his contract but Evra is confident the Spanish coach would be a success at United if the club were able to tempt him to Old Trafford.
“I’m not talking to the Man United board or Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but in my honest opinion, with no disrespect to PSG or Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but Luis Enrique would be a dream coach for Man United,” the former defender told Stake. “I love the man, I love his philosophy, what he went through in his personal life and overcame it shows his personality.
“The job he’s done at PSG by bringing them a Champions League without Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, it’s a fantastic job. Players would have to work really hard to play for Man United, they’ll have to run a lot and I think Enrique would bring that.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.