Main contenders for the Manchester United job if Michael Carrick leaves

Manchester United are facing another possible change of direction. With Michael Carrick's time in charge of the first team far from guaranteed, the club is already assessing several coaches with proven experience at the elite level. The decision will shape the sporting project at Old Trafford for years to come, with the team needing to regain ground in the Premier League and compete consistently in Europe once again.

• Julian Nagelsmann stands out for his innovative approach and relentless pressing, although his spell with Germany raised doubts.
• Unai Emery brings know-how, European trophies and tactical calm, but United would have to convince him and pay Aston Villa compensation.
• Antonio Conte guarantees discipline and character, though his demanding style and back three could clash with the current squad.
• Kieran McKenna, Eddie Howe and Fabian Hürzeler complete a list featuring young profiles, English experience and options available without a transfer fee.

Julian Nagelsmann, the innovative gamble who already caught Manchester City's eye

The German coach attracted interest from Manchester City when Omar Berrada was part of the hierarchy across town. At 39, Nagelsmann has a strong CV after taking charge of Bayern Munich and the German national team. He is viewed as a creative coach who is very demanding of his players and wants his sides to press relentlessly, an approach currently missing at United.

His time with Germany was underwhelming and ended with a last-32 exit at the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay. At Bayern, with a top-level squad, he won the Bundesliga in his only full season and was dismissed the following March with the team second and still competing in the Champions League.

Unai Emery, the winning pragmatist who would require a major financial push

The Spanish coach, known as the King of the Europa League, combines tactical intelligence with experience of working on a budget. If the idea of managing United appeals to him, the move would depend on two factors: whether he believes the Manchester project has more potential than Aston Villa, who are currently one point and one place ahead of them in the Premier League and doing far better in the Champions League, and whether United are willing to pay significant compensation.

Emery usually favours a 4-2-3-1 and has always relied on a central striker, a piece United currently lack. A calm figure with a ruthless edge when needed, he has a large trophy cabinet and is regarded as one of football's great pragmatists. His comfort playing on the counterattack would suit the current United squad.

Antonio Conte, the character and intensity to shake up the dressing room

The Italian, who left Napoli in the summer, knows the Premier League well from his spells at Chelsea and Tottenham, winning the title with Chelsea in 2017. A fierce competitor and disciplinarian, he would raise standards in the dressing room from day one. His temper can also produce memorable exchanges with the media, such as the time he suggested after a defeat to Burnley that he might not be the right man to manage Spurs.

That willingness to speak out when it may not be wise could put United off. His preference for a back three also raises questions with the current squad, an issue Ruben Amorim already discovered.

Kieran McKenna, Eddie Howe and Fabian Hürzeler: English experience and emerging options

Kieran McKenna, the romantic return that may not come at the right time

The Northern Irishman worked in the United academy before stepping up to be part of José Mourinho's backroom staff alongside Carrick. He stayed when Ole Gunnar Solskjær replaced the Portuguese and was credited with a strong tactical influence in the season United finished second. Having a link to the club is often an asset, but given the struggles Solskjær and Carrick have endured, an external candidate seems more appropriate now.

McKenna left to become head coach at Ipswich, where his work put him in the frame to replace Erik ten Hag. He resigned in June after securing promotion to the Premier League for a second time, aiming to take a break from the daily grind of management. Whether he would end that sabbatical after around five months to jump into such a precarious situation remains unclear.

Eddie Howe, the safe pair of hands with Champions League experience

The English option with the most Premier League experience and a manager who took Newcastle to the Champions League. His track record arguably makes him the safest choice. A tireless worker, Howe was often first in and last out at Newcastle's training ground as he focused on every detail. A fan of wingers and a 4-3-3, he would rely on a central striker such as Benjamin Sesko to make the jump.

He also tends to work closely with his nephew Andy, who held senior roles at Bournemouth and Newcastle, which could create an interesting dynamic if he wanted something similar at United. Howe, like other candidates, would arrive without a compensation fee, and every penny counts at Old Trafford.

Fabian Hürzeler, the young rising star in no rush to move

At just 33, his reputation continues to grow with Brighton sitting third after scoring 23 goals in seven games. That strong form helps explain why he is not particularly keen to leave at the moment. His team are outperforming United with a squad that looks stronger. The size of Old Trafford attracts many coaches, but joining a struggling club mid-season is not always an advantage because it means stepping straight into a firefight.