Manchester United is once again facing a familiar turning point. Will they continue to place their faith in the temporary solution that is bringing efficiency, or will they look for a more classy strategist for the long-term future?
The appointment of Michael Carrick as interim coach was based on a short-term plan for the rest of the season. However, few people expected things to improve so much. 5 wins in 6 matches, only one draw by West Ham United, has made Carrick a beloved name in the red half of Manchester. The season that seemed to be off track has now returned to normal, opening up a brighter prospect.
Before the 1-0 victory over Everton, club legend Gary Neville said that if Carrick puts the team in the top 4 and wins a ticket to the Champions League, there will be many opinions supporting his official appointment. After the match, both Neville and Jamie Carragher believe that Man United are capable of participating in the most prestigious European arena next season.
Lessons from the past and caution
However, the past makes M.U's leadership unable to help but consider. In 2019, Man United experienced a similar scenario with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Success in the interim period helped him sign a long-term contract, but after only two and a half years, that journey ended in regret.
More recently, Erik ten Hag also faced the situation of staying or leaving. He stayed after the summer of 2024, but that was just a delay. Man United clearly wanted to avoid another unsustainable test cycle.
Potential candidates
If Man United seeks a more experienced option, the list of candidates will not be large.
Data from Transfer Room shows that Unai Emery is a suitable choice for the current squad. However, persuading him to leave Aston Villa will not be easy, even with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ambition.
Antonio Conte was once linked before Ten Hag came to Old Trafford. He is currently leading Napoli. Neville describes Conte as a "killer" - a type of coach who can create immediate impact but finds it difficult to build a long-term foundation.
Another option is Enzo Maresca, but he is said to be in the plan to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
In Serie A, Gian Piero Gasperini is an experienced name, but still potentially risky. Eddie Howe is stable at Newcastle, and it is difficult to convince him to leave the current project.
Roberto Martinez may emerge after the 2026 World Cup campaign with Portugal, but the preparation time for the new season may be too short. Other options include Sebastian Hoeness (VfB Stuttgart), Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola or Oliver Glasner - coaches with experience in the Premier League and may leave their club in the summer.
There are also Xavi and Roberto De Zerbi - currently free. Gareth Southgate is also a potential option, especially when Steve Holland has joined the coaching staff, but this is still a controversial option.
Some other names are almost eliminated. Diego Simeone is unlikely to leave Atletico Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti is attached to the Brazilian national team, Louis van Gaal has retired, and Marcelo Bielsa has a similar color to Conte - creating a short-term impact but unstable in the long term.
Believe in the present or bet on the future?
The "Red Devils"' form under Carrick is almost perfect at this time. He brings stability, internal connection and positive spirit - factors that the team has lost in many previous periods.
The question is no longer whether Carrick is worthy or not, but whether anyone is really superior to him in the current context? With a club that has repeatedly stumbled because of hasty decisions, this choice could shape a whole new era at Old Trafford.
