23 Leading Candidates to Succeed Michael Carrick as Manchester United Manager

Manchester United's Search for a New Manager: 23 Leading Contenders

Michael Carrick was appointed interim manager of Manchester United in January, bringing hope to Old Trafford after a difficult period under Ruben Amorim. He achieved the highest Premier League points total among managers from his appointment to the season's end, earning a permanent role by securing Champions League qualification.

Yet the promising start has faded this season. The team has only one win in six Premier League games, including disappointing losses such as a 1-0 home defeat to a ten-man Manchester City, and a Carabao Cup upset against Brighton where they squandered a 2-0 half-time lead. Another low point was blowing a 1-0 lead to Tottenham, who were down to 10 men, with Spurs equalizing in the 92nd minute. The latest 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid sparked public criticism from Lisandro Martinez about the club's lack of investment. Pressure on Carrick is mounting, and betting odds from SkyBet highlight 23 potential replacements if changes occur.

Long Shots and Unlikely Returns

• David Moyes (Everton) – 80/1 odds. Despite being once tipped by Sir Alex Ferguson, Moyes struggled to maintain success at United.
• Ange Postecoglou (Al-Nassr) – 80/1 odds.
• Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) – 80/1 odds.
• Ralf Rangnick (Austria) – 66/1 odds. His 2021/22 stint was tough due to disagreements with club leadership.
• Roberto Mancini (Italy) – 66/1 odds.
• Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid) – 50/1 odds. Known for defense-first tactics, his style may not align with fans' expectations.
• Daniel Farke (Leeds United) – 50/1 odds. Proven in Championship and Premier League survival but untested at elite clubs.
• Brendan Rodgers (Al Qadsiah) – 50/1 odds. Keen on returning to English football.
• Sebastian Hoeness (VfB Stuttgart) – 50/1 odds.

Experienced Managers with Better Odds

• Luis Enrique (PSG) – 33/1 odds. Has won consecutive Champions League titles with PSG and dominates domestically.
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Unattached) – 25/1 odds. Former player and interim manager, he sought the role in January.
• Mauricio Pochettino (USA) – 25/1 odds. Long admired by United.
• Roberto Martinez (Unattached) – 22/1 odds. Has Premier League experience but little enthusiasm among fans.
• Darren Fletcher (Man Utd U18s) – 20/1 odds. Likely a temporary caretaker.
• Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) – 20/1 odds. Recent World Cup exit might affect appeal.
• Gareth Southgate (Unattached) – 14/1 odds. England legend with strong team-building skills, but club football differs greatly.

Top Contenders and Fan Favorites

• Unai Emery (Aston Villa) – 14/1 odds. Known for overachieving in the Premier League despite Arsenal struggles; favored by many fans.
• Thomas Tuchel (England) – 14/1 odds. Current England coach, unlikely to leave before Euro 2028.
• Kieran McKenna (Unattached) – 10/1 odds. Former club assistant coach with ties to previous managers.
• Julian Nagelsmann (Unattached) – 13/2 odds. Young German tactician with Bundesliga title experience, recently left Germany post-World Cup.
• Antonio Conte (Napoli) – 5/1 odds. Renowned for delivering instant success at top clubs.
• Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton & Hove Albion) – 5/1 odds. Talented young coach making waves in the Premier League.
• Eddie Howe (Unattached) – 2/1 odds. Recently stepped down at Newcastle and widely regarded as the leading candidate.

All odds reflect SkyBet data as of October 14, 2026.