Who Could Replace Michael Carrick If Manchester United Sack Him? 8 Potential Candidates

Manchester United may be approaching another major managerial decision, with Michael Carrick under increasing pressure following a disastrous run of results.

But if the club decide to make a change, who could take over at Old Trafford?

Manchester United's managerial situation has become increasingly difficult after a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign.

The 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como has intensified scrutiny on Carrick, with questions being asked about his tactics, the team's performances and whether he can turn things around.

Carrick enjoyed an impressive spell as interim manager last season, helping United finish third in the Premier League and secure Champions League football. However, his permanent appointment has not produced the start many supporters would have hoped for.

According to recent reporting, United are already considering potential alternatives should they decide to part ways with the former midfielder. Unai Emery and Julian Nagelsmann have emerged as prominent names, while several other established and emerging coaches could enter the conversation.

For now, this remains a hypothetical scenario. United have not confirmed Carrick's departure, but the question of who could replace him is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Here are eight candidates who could be considered if Manchester United decide to change managers.

Julian Nagelsmann is one of the most intriguing names linked with the Manchester United job and could represent an opportunity to appoint a manager with considerable experience at the highest level.

The German has previously managed RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich before taking charge of the German national team. His coaching style is built around tactical flexibility, positional rotations and an emphasis on controlling games through intelligent movement and pressing.

Nagelsmann's reputation as one of Europe's most innovative young coaches has made him an attractive candidate for clubs looking to build a long-term project.

Recent reports suggest he would be interested in the Manchester United position if it became available, while his previous professional connections with United recruitment director Christopher Vivell could also be relevant.

The major question would be whether his tactical ideas could translate immediately to English football. Managing United brings enormous pressure, and he would inherit a squad that has struggled for consistency.

Nevertheless, Nagelsmann would offer United the opportunity to appoint a coach with a clear tactical identity and experience managing elite players.

Unai Emery is another leading candidate, although convincing Aston Villa to part with their manager would be a considerable challenge.

Since arriving at Villa Park in 2022, Emery has helped transform Villa into a side capable of competing for European qualification and silverware. His experience includes successful spells with Sevilla, Villarreal and Paris Saint-Germain, alongside a less successful period at Arsenal.

Emery's ability to organise a team, prepare detailed tactical plans and compete against stronger opponents makes him an interesting hypothetical appointment for United.

His recent meetings with Manchester City also demonstrate Villa's ability to compete against elite opposition. For a United side that has struggled to impose itself consistently, Emery's tactical discipline could be appealing.

However, Emery remains under contract at Aston Villa until 2029, and reports have highlighted the potential financial complications of trying to bring him to Old Trafford.

There would also be questions about whether Emery would want to leave a project he has helped establish.

If United were prepared to make a significant financial commitment, Emery would be a major name to consider. The challenge would be persuading Villa to let him go.

Eddie Howe could offer Manchester United a different type of appointment: a manager with extensive Premier League experience who understands the demands of rebuilding a club.

Howe established his reputation at Bournemouth before taking Newcastle United into the Champions League places and helping the club compete at a higher level.

His teams have generally looked to play energetic, attacking football, with an emphasis on pressing and quick transitions. He has also demonstrated an ability to improve players and develop a recognisable playing style.

Following his departure from Newcastle, Howe has been mentioned among the potential candidates for the United job. Recent reporting has suggested he could be considered if the club decide to make a managerial change.

One attraction would be his familiarity with the Premier League. Unlike a manager arriving from another country, Howe would not need an extended period to understand the competition's demands.

However, taking charge of Manchester United would be a different challenge from managing Newcastle. The scrutiny, expectations and pressure to win major trophies would be enormous.

Howe could be an option if United prioritise Premier League experience, but the club would need to decide whether his approach fits their longer-term ambitions.

Antonio Conte would bring a completely different personality and managerial philosophy to Old Trafford.

The Italian has won major domestic honours with clubs including Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan. His teams are known for their organisation, tactical intensity and demanding training methods.

Conte's arrival would likely bring an immediate emphasis on discipline, accountability and improving the team's defensive structure. For a United side that has struggled to deliver consistent performances, those qualities could be attractive.

He also possesses extensive experience of English football after managing Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Conte's previous spells have also demonstrated the potential difficulties of appointing a manager with such strong demands. His relationships with club executives and the long-term direction of a project have sometimes become sources of tension.

The question is whether United would be prepared to accommodate his approach to recruitment, squad building and expectations.

Conte could offer a proven winner, but the club would need to be comfortable with the demands that would accompany his appointment.

Fabian Hürzeler is one of the more interesting younger coaches who have caughtt Manchester United's attention.

The Brighton manager has developed a reputation for an aggressive, high-intensity style of football, with his side looking to press opponents and attack with speed.

His work at Brighton has demonstrated the appeal of appointing a young coach with modern tactical ideas rather than simply relying on a famous managerial name.

United could potentially view Hürzeler as a long-term project, particularly if they want a manager who can help establish a consistent playing identity.

However, there is an important complication. Hürzeler is under contract at Brighton, and recent reporting has suggested that he is not interested in leaving the club at this stage. Journalist Alex Crook has also been cited in discussions about his reluctance to make the move.

Brighton's position would make a mid-season approach difficult, particularly given the club's investment in their young manager.

Hürzeler might fit the profile of a coach United could admire, but admiration does not necessarily mean an appointment is realistic.

Cesc Fàbregas would represent one of the more ambitious and unconventional options on the list, and would be an ironic appointment following their defeat to Como.

The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder has moved into management with Como, where he has been developing his coaching reputation.

His understanding of elite football, experience working with world-class managers during his playing career and tactical knowledge make him an interesting name to consider.

Fàbregas could appeal to United if the club wanted a progressive coach who could help build a long-term identity rather than appointing another established managerial figure.

However, the size of the Manchester United job would represent a significant step up. Managing Como and managing a club with United's global profile are very different challenges, and there would be questions about his experience handling the pressure of a major rebuild.

Fàbregas has also shown respect towards Carrick when asked about the possibility of replacing him, declining to entertain the question on the grounds that it would not be respectful to the United manager.

Kieran McKenna is another coach who could enter the conversation if United decide to look beyond the biggest managerial names.

McKenna previously worked within Manchester United's coaching setup before establishing himself as a manager at Ipswich Town. His work there attracted attention as he guided the club through successive promotions and back into the Premier League.

That background would give him an understanding of United's culture and the expectations surrounding the club.

He could also offer a more developmental approach, focusing on building a clear playing style and improving younger players.

However, his experience at the highest level remains more limited than that of candidates such as Emery, Conte and Nagelsmann.

His Premier League campaign with Ipswich ended in relegation, which would inevitably form part of the discussion about his suitability for a club seeking to challenge for major honours.

An appointment would represent a gamble on his potential and previous familiarity with United rather than a move for a manager with a long record of winning major trophies.

Thomas Tuchel is another high-profile name that could attract attention in discussions about Manchester United's next manager.

The German has won major honours with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, including the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021. He has also managed Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, giving him experience across several of Europe's biggest clubs.

Tuchel is known for his tactical preparation, ability to adapt to different opponents and experience managing under intense pressure.

Those qualities could make him appealing to United if the club want a manager who has already operated at the highest level.

Nevertheless, his availability would be a major consideration. Any approach would depend on his contractual situation and existing commitments, meaning speculation about a move should not be mistaken for evidence that he is available.

Tuchel has appeared among the names discussed in connection with the United position, but the practical circumstances surrounding a potential appointment would need to be clarified.

Despite the speculation, Carrick's future should not be treated as already decided.

His achievements during his interim spell last season provide context for the current situation, even if the results this campaign have created serious concerns.

United's hierarchy must decide whether the current problems can be resolved through improved performances, tactical adjustments and support for the manager, or whether a change is necessary.

The upcoming fixtures could prove important in shaping that decision, but one result alone would not necessarily resolve the wider issues.

For now, the names linked with the job remain hypothetical possibilities rather than confirmed candidates in a formal recruitment process.

If Manchester United sack Michael Carrick, they will have several different managerial profiles to consider.

Nagelsmann and Emery have emerged as prominent names in recent reporting, while Howe, Conte, Hürzeler, Fàbregas, McKenna and Tuchel offer different potential approaches.

The challenge will not simply be finding a famous manager. United need to identify someone whose footballing philosophy, approach to squad development and working relationship with the club's hierarchy can deliver sustained improvement.

Another managerial change would be a major decision, and it would need to be made with a clear plan for the future.

Who would you want to replace Michael Carrick if Manchester United decide to sack him?