United's Managerial Dilemma: Is Carrick About to Seal the Permanent Job?
20 February 2026
Carrick's Interim Run Gains Momentum
All eyes at Manchester United are on finalizing the manager's position, amid intensified moves to appoint a coach who will lead the next phase permanently, following a period of leadership ambiguity.
Michael Carrick has held the role on an interim basis through the end of the season after the departure of the Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, and he has reestablished balance, delivering convincing results that kept them in the mix for the top four and brought a measure of calm back to Old Trafford.
Options Narrowing
According to TEAMtalk, United's board had been weighing a broad list of heavyweight names, but the latest developments have muddied the waters.
Thomas Tuchel renewed ties with the England national team for two more years, while Carlo Ancelotti appears close to a new contract with the Brazilian federation.
Meanwhile, recent moves by Tottenham have complicated the picture, with Roberto De Zerbi emerging as a strong candidate, while Olivier Glasner’s stock has fallen after a string of poor results with Crystal Palace.
Luis Enrique, widely respected, also looks set to extend with Paris Saint-Germain, closing another door for United.
Carrick: The Closest Option
With options narrowing, Carrick's stock has risen sharply.
There are reports of internal agreement within the club that would give him a clear edge for a long-term deal should results remain positive.
A win rate around 75% under his leadership, coupled with his calm approach with players, has many at the club viewing him as a future project capable of restoring stability, especially after the unsettled period before his appointment.
As other candidates fall away, the door seems to be opening for Carrick to turn the interim spell into a permanent contract, pending the official decision that could reshape Old Trafford's sporting project in the years ahead.
Punchline 1: If Carrick lands the job, the only thing getting fired on matchday will be the playlist—let's hope the tunes stay calm too.
Punchline 2: If this were a math problem, Carrick would be the square root of 'let's wait and see'—and somehow, it adds up.
