What Next for Manchester United?
Manchester United find themselves in yet another precarious situation. Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to find success with Manchester United soon. If he doesn’t the majority owners, the Glazer family, will have no hesitation in buying him out and selling the club to a sovereign nation fund. Especially now that Ratcliffe is on thin ice for his recent inappropriate and inaccurate comments regarding immigration in the United Kingdom.
The key to staying his sacking is qualifying for the Champions League. The influx of cash and prospect of showcasing oneself at the highest level is a huge factor in recruiting a new manager.
However, whether or not United qualify for Europe, it is hard to see where they are going to attract a top tier candidate. There is so much uncertainty surrounding the ownership. The squad is still stocked with players that have a tendency to capitulate when things get tough. Meanwhile, the front off is somewhat volatile at the best of times.
Simply put, this club is not in a good place. And, it has been historically bad in the last 15 years at making the right recruitment decisions. Regardless of whether they are choosing new owners, executives, players or managers. The result being, United is no longer the holy grail of clubs to play or manage for.
Hence why Michael Carrick is the bookies frontrunner for the job.
Manchester United’s Search for Michael Carrick Replacement
The biggest problem for the Red Devils right now is, the front office. In particular Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, are continuing to make the same mistakes as their predecessors by showing their hand too easily. Setting up the eventual scenario that they will allow themselves to be exploited.
Everyone knows that Manchester United needs a new head coach. Everyone knows they plan to target a top five ranked candidate. And, everyone one knows they are scouting several coaches who will be managing teams at the World Cup, or who’s contracts with their current clubs expire this summer.
With more than a dozen top flight coaches on the shortlist, the Old Trafford front office are yet again showing their desperation by publically vetting every manager possible.
Berrada and Wilcox have completely relinquished the upper hand in any negotiations they may have.
Because of how well known their plans are, several top contenders have been given contract extensions with inflated release clauses to ward off United. While other contenders have already been snapped up by rival teams. Leaving United with a lot of names but no real potential in most of them.
The Contenders
In less than a month Manchester United went from having strong links to names like Ancelotti, Tuchel and Enrique, to now holding out hope that they can even get an interview with coaches like Dyche, Ireola and and De Zerbi. Giving rise to the question, who could possibly be the next Manchester United manager?
The following is a comprehensive list of all the names linked to the Old Trafford hotseat. Except for Michael Carrick. For a full rundown on his candidacy, see part one in this article series. Fortunately for Carrick, there seems to be a viable reason that almost every other manager on this list will not be coming to Manchester United.
The club is not exactly lost for hope that a good manager will want the job…Yet.
However, it is looking more and more like United will have to accept one of the following fates. Settle for a lower calibre transitional manager. Accept paying a ridiculous amount of money for either a sizable signing bonus or an inflated release clause to get an elite manager. Or, the bookies favorite, keep Michael Carrick.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has repeatedly said that the club will no longer pay the so called ‘United tax’ any more. However, their intention to bring in an elite manager is being widely reported. If that is the case, Ratcliffe may have no choice.
Carlo Ancelotti –
Widespread consensus is that Ancelotti is number one on Manchester United’s wish list. And why wouldn’t he be. I don’t imagine there are many arguments out their against my claim that Ancelotti is the best manager in the world. Unless you are a Manchester CIty fan. If anyone can return United to glory, it is Carlo Ancelotti.
If you need convincing, have a look at his trophy cabinet. Ancelotti has won 30 major honors. Including five champions league titles and six league titles. He has won the league and relative domestic cups in all of Europe’s top five leagues. And, this summer he looks to add the World Cup to his cabinet with Brazil who are one of the favorites to win the tournament.
However, like I said, United show their hand too easily. The moment it got out that they wanted Ancelotti the Brazilian FA promptly offered him a four year extension and a salary bump. The bigger problem is they also added in a release clause apparently worth more than $20 million.
In recent years United have paid out a collective $50+ million for the hiring and subsequent dismissals of Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim, their staff and Dan Ashworth. not to mention tens of millions more for Mourinho, Ole, van Gaal and Moyes. Are they really stupid enough to roll that dice again? On the other hand, Ancelotti may be one of the few names on this list worth that gamble.
Thomas Tuchel –
If Carlo Ancelotti is the widely excepted number one target for Manchester United, then Tuchel is a very close second. Barring the criticisms that he is too difficult to work with or, like Jose Mourinho only lasts two to three seasons at a club, his CV is undeniable. The German coach has won eleven major trophies. Including the Champions League with a very lackluster Chelsea side, a career accomplishment in itself.
After Ancelotti and Pep, there is a reasonable argument that he is the third best manager in the world.
There is little doubt that he would bring trophies back to Old Trafford. However, like Ancelotti, when United enquired about his services after the World Cup the English FA also renewed his contract and added a similarly extravagant release clause as Ancelotti.
$20+ million for Ancelotti is an acceptable risk. But given the parodies to Erik ten Hag and Jose Mourinho, perhaps it is a step too far to pay that kind of money for Tuchel.
Luis Enrique –
The PSG boss certainly has the pedigree to manage United. And, his deal in Paris is due to expire this summer. With how well he has done with PSG and Barcelona, United would be stupid to not seriously consider him. Unfortunately, there are a lot of reliable rumors that Enrique plans to extend his deal with PSG.
But, if United act quickly they may be able to steal his signature. Enrique is the only manager on this list that should be a serious contender in the wake of Ancelotti and Tuchel’s respective contract extensions. The man is a serial winner. He has led his respective teams to 16 major trophies, including two Champions League and four league titles.
However, if the United front office felt the same way I do they would have already secured at least a pre contract agreement with Enrique. Which they have not. Or there would be rumors that United and Enrique have held talks. Which there hasn’t been.
Given there is no solid evidence that Enrique is coming to Old Trafford, either his contract extension at PSG is already decided, or Berrada and Wilcox think they have a genuine shot at luring Ancelotti or Tuchel to Manchester. Either way, Wilcox and Berrada are dumber than we thought if they are not actively pursuing Enrique with all the resources available to them.
Oliver Glasner –
The Crystal Palace manager is reportedly well admired by the Manchester United front office. Not to mention his contract with Palace is due to expire this summer.
However, there are are concerns that his hard nosed approach is too similar to Erik ten Hag, where as his tactics are too similar to Ruben Amorim. What’s more, like Michael Carrick he has never managed a top club. His progress with Crystal Palace has been inspiring. Particularly last season before Palace sold all of their best players. However, the Eagles’ current league standing does nothing to contradict fears.
I should also point out, since announcing his departure this summer, Glasner has gone full Mourinho. Everyone is at fault for something other than him. Any manager that goes into a press conference and tells the fans to stay humble, calls out the owners publically for their transfer policies, and points the finger at players for not giving their all is not a manager becoming of Manchester United.
Why would Wilcox and Berrada want to hire a man who is an incarnation of three previous failed managers combined. Or a manager who is performing worse than and even lost to the current interim coach. His Premier League familiarity, Wilcox and Berrada’s supposed fanboy level of admiration, and potential free agency are the only factors he has in his favor right now.
However, none of those factors point to a coach who can win the EPL or Champions League. Nor do they point to a coach who isn’t going to recreate the failures of previous regimes.
Eddie Howe –
The Newcastle boss has been on Manchester United’s radar since they were looking for an Erik ten Hag replacement. He is seen as having the ideal temperament and tactical approach to help rebuild United. While his time at Newcastle has only solidified the colloquial opinion that he is a top tier manager.
However, concerns are that he may not have the ability to carry the club all the way back to title contention. There is no evidence in his CV that he has the tactical nous or management skills to bring home an EPL or CL trophy. In more than a decade of coaching Howe only has one EFL Cup trophy and one Football League Championship title to his name. That isn’t exactly the trophy cabinet you want to see from a manager who will be expected to win the biggest competitions in football.
Even with all the Saudi oil money Howe has backing him he has only managed the one trophy with Newcastle.
Meaning, his appointment is likely nothing more than an exercise in planned obsolescence. Not to mention Newcastle are likely to bend United over a barrel for his signature after the whole Dan Ashworth debacle. Why would United want to pay through the nose for a manager they would need to replace as soon as possible?
Roberto De Zerbi –
De Zerbi, according to widespread reports, has been discussed internally at length at United. His Premier League experience is seen as highly attractive to the front office. As is his second place finish with Marseille last season. Meanwhile, having just been sacked by Marseille, he happens to be available.
However, his CV barely rivals that of Ole, ten Hag, or Amorim. While being only marginally better than Carricks. He also seems to lack the gravitas that United is reportedly looking for.
What’s more, he is well known to be a volatile individual. He has never lasted more than two seasons for any of his eight previous managerial appointments because he falls out with players, owners and staff like they were yesterday’s laundry. All of which are reasons that he was sacked by Marseille.
De Zerbi seems like nothing more than a younger, less proven, more temperamental version of Jose Mourinho. Other than being a Premier League familiar name, nothing about De Zerbi says he should be managing Manchester United.
Julian Nagelsmann –
There is no arguing that the Germany boss has an elite level of experience. Especially for a coach of his age (38). Without a doubt, Nagelsmann is a next gen manager. He also reportedly has an excellent relationship with Manchester United director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell.
According to widespread reports, United are very interested in his services. The bookies currently have him third favorite behind Carrick and Glasner to take the Untied job next season. Said reports go on to even claim that the club and Nagelsmann have already started negotiations.
Playing devil’s advocate for a moment, it should be pointed out that Nagelsmann has only had coaching experience in Germany. Granted he is the current Germany National Team coach. He also managed a 71% win rate and three trophies in two seasons at Bayern Munich. But having never managed a squad outside of Deutschland is a significant handicap to his potential appointment at Old Trafford. The Bundesliga, while growing in competitiveness, is still nowhere near the level of the Premier League.
Additionally, like Ancelotti and Tuchel, he has a long term contract with Germany until 2028, with a release clause included. It is almost certain Germany would put up a fight if Untied attempted to lure their prodigal son to Manchester.
Mauricio Pochettino –
Pochettino has been linked to Manchester United many, many, many times. Even Sir Alex Ferguson tipped Poch to be the next great United manager. However, while Pochettino is an EPL proven coach with an elite status, other than his time at Tottenham, he has always failed to impress.
His only trophies are three domestic titles in France when he managed PSG. Which, let’s be honest, PSG would have likely won those trophies with even me in charge.
In 17 seasons as a manager he has guided his teams to six finals, and seven semi finals with only two cup trophies, in competitions where PSG faced no real opposition, to show for it. His appointment would be akin to rehiring Ole in my opinion. Getting to so many semi finals and finals without taking home more trophies just makes him a serial loser in the biggest of moments. United need a bride, not the perennial bridesmaid.
If what Untied want is an experienced manager, Poch has that in spades. But I fail to see where there is evidence that he could be successful at United. Also, like Tuchel, Ancelotti and Nagelsmann he has a contract with the USMNT until 2028. Making it highly unlikely he will come cheap or easy.
Xavi –
Xavi is available since leaving Barcelona. Where he won a La Liga title with the Catalan giants. The Spain and Barcelona legend is also reported to be keen on plying his trade in the Premier League. According to several media outlets, United have already made contact with his representatives to gauge his interest in taking over for Michael Carrick at the end of the season.
What is unclear is where Xavi’s preference lies. Untied are not the only team to have made contact with his camp. Supposedly, Chelsea and Tottenham are courting him as well. With Tottenham seen as the front runners in the race to sign him. Not to mention, he is seen as an ideal candidate to replace Mikel Arteta, should Arsenal fail to win the EPL for a fourth season in a row.
Given the high demand for his services and the bookies odds, it would seem United is automatically ruled out as a contender. If only because of the front office’s tendency to operate at a snail’s pace. Not to mention the high likelihood that Arsenal will bottle yet another title charge.
Gareth Southgate –
I’m just going to come out and say this unadulteratedly. Gareth Southgate may be the best prospect on this list. It pains me to say, only because I actually agree with the United front office in that the club should be pursuing a top five manager. Which Southgate is not. But, with the way things are playing out for United, he may end up being the best option Untied can get.
In his defense, he literally wrote the book on youth development in English football. Given that developing the next generation is seen as a non negotiable trait for the next United manager, there are few in the game better than him in that sense.
He knows English football better than most having spent all of his career developing the game in England. Not to mention, he has been high on United’s shortlist in the past. Were it not for Ashworth being sacked because he wanted Southgate at United, Southgate, not Amorim would have likely been manager and Ashworth would still be director of football.
He would by all measures be a great coach to help this club take the next step. However, like Pochettino and Howe his trophy cabinet is conspicuously baron for a manager of his experience. Making him an unlikely candidate to take United to Champions and Premier League glory. Is he better than the likes of Carrick, Glasner, Xavi, or De Zerbi…probably. Is he better than Ancelotti, Tuchel, Nagelsmann, or Enrique…unequivocally no.
He is the personification of middle-of-the-road. That is not exactly the gilded reputation that the United front office appear to be looking for. Not to mention, Wilcox, Berrada, and Ratcliffe would all look pretty stupid if they hired Southgate after firing Ashworth for being his compatriots advocate.
The Best of the Rest –
For the sake of thoroughness here are a few of the other names linked to United. Though most of these managers are extremely unlikely in my opinion to ever come to Old Trafford. Or, they are no better than keeping Michael Carrick beyond this season.
But, the rumor mill needs its fresh meat, so here we go.
Xabi Alonso, Jurgen Klopp, Didier Deschamps and Zinedine Zidane –
I would welcome any of these managers at Old Trafford, and all of them are without a club at the moment. Except Deschamps who will be leaving his role as the French National Team manager after the World Cup.
However, Xabi is seen as a pipe dream due to his allegiances to rivals Liverpool and Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Klopp has repeatedly reiterated his intentions to not return to management let alone ever be willing to manage Manchester United. Zidane has apparently signed a pre-contract agreement to take over for Deschamps after the World Cup. And, Deschamps has stated on multiple occasions that he wants to take a break from management after leaving the FFF and he may not return to coaching.
Enzo Maresca –
Maresca is linked to United simply because of his availability and the fact that he has prior connections to Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox from their time together at Manchester City. However, according to reports from inside Old Trafford, United see his five years of managerial experience as a limiting factor. It is also being reported that the United hierarchy view his personality as too inflammatory. As evidenced by his sacking from Chelsea.
Roberto Martinez –
Martinez is certainly experienced enough and EPL proven enough for the United job. And if he does well with Portugal at the World Cup, he could be a genuine contender. But like the other World Cup managers on this list, he has a long term contract with a buyout clause. So, why not stump for a higher calibre manager. Meanwhile, the reports coming out of Old Trafford are that the United front office is underwhelmed by his slow, possession based style of play, likening him to Louis van Gaal.
Marco Silva, Graham Potter and Andoni Iraola –
Iraola, Potter and Silva have all proven their metal by cutting their teeth in the Premier League. They all are tactically sound. They command their players respect. And, they are all used to working on limited budgets. Which could prove valuable should Carrick fail to deliver Champions League football.
All three are certainly well on their way to establishing themselves as apart of the next crop of great managers. But so were Amorim, ten Hag and Ole before they took the Old Trafford hot seat.
I would also argue that none of them have won a major trophy. Silva and Iraola have never managed a team in the Champions League or fighting for a league title. Where as Potter’s time at Chelsea was an unmitigated disaster. United have repeatedly learned that hiring a young coach with a lot potential, but with no experience at an elite club, is a house of cards. And one that is likely to come crashing down. United need a manager with more experience at a top club, otherwise they may as well keep Carrick.
Sean Dyche –
Dyche is the last name on this list. Since his sacking by Nottingham Forest, he has skyrocketed up the bookies list of likely managers being considered by United. His experience in the EPL is undeniable. As is his experience rebuilding clubs that have lost their way. He exudes a calm confident demnior. He is tactically flexible. And he is considered a player’s manager.
Not to mention, with that hardened ‘Old English’ look, and raspy voice that only comes from screaming at people all the time, he doesn’t exactly look like the kind of coach you want to piss off.
Unfortunately, he appears perpetually destined to be a mid table or relegation fighting manager. Nothing about his CV suggests that he can win the EPL or Champions League. The only trophies he has ever won was winning the Championship with Burnley and gaining promotion to the EPL. Like several names on this list, his strength lies in his familiarity with the league. Which simply isn’t enough to be the next manager of Manchester United.
Manchester United are Playing with Fire
Truthfully, fans should be very nervous about who will be the next Red Devils manager. Manchester United have no credibility in these situations. Meanwhile, the world of football knows that we can be exploited. Given the situation, it is highly unlikely that Wilcox and Berrada will be able to recruit one of their top targets. Which begs the question; who is the best of the rest?
My hope, and that of many United fans is that the front office is not seriously looking at coaches like Glasner, Dyche, Potter, Ireola, Southgate, Silva, De Zerbi and so on. Due diligence is great, as is having a contingency plan. It would extremely bombastic to claim that none of these candidates is a good or worthy coach. But, United don’t need a good manager. They need an experienced, inspirational, elite manager. Which many of United’s candidates are not.
Most of these contenders have similar shortcomings as our previous five managers. And most of them lack the requisite experience to carry a club as big as Manchester United.
There is no arguing that the Red Devils do need to consider the cost of paying a release clause for a more experienced manager, as well as the gamble of holding out for the likes of Enrique or Xavi. However, perhaps more importantly, they also need to be wary of hiring a manager who will repeat the failures of past coaches.
Are Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada Complicating Thing Too Much?
Paying a buyout clause or a huge signing bonus for a manager like Ancelotti or Enrique is a calculated risk. Recruiting a middle of the road coach like Glasner, Pochettino or De Zerbi, who happens to have had one or two good seasons, is destined to be an exercise in insanity.
Reading between the lines, there are a lot of names on this list that United could have gone after instead of Michael Carrick. That fact that they chose to go with an interim boss tells me that Untied are almost certainly holding out for one or all of three options.
First, they want to prioritise a coach that is managing a World Cup squad. Second, they are waiting to see if Enrique is going to stay at PSG. Or third, as the media has suggested, they have already decided on Glasner and are waiting until the summer to finalize the deal.
Rumors would suggest that United are hoping for a higher calibre coach. The hope amongst fans is that Glasner, along with Southgate and Carrick are United doing their due diligence. However, too many of United’s reportedly prefered options are expensive and potentially aiming higher for their next managerial post than a floundering Manchester United. Leaving the club and fans with high hopes but, low expectations.
Who will be the Next Manchester United Manager?
In my opinion, the real shortlist can be most likely be narrowed down to Ancelotti, Tuchel, Nagelsmann, Pochettino, Howe and Enrique. I would go further to say that Glasner, Southgate and Carrick are most likely the back up plans. Though since his recent meltdown in the press, rumors have United distancing themselves from Glasner.
From there it comes down to numbers. Pochettino’s release clause is worth $22 million. And while no figures have been released regarding Howe, Tuchel or Ancelotti, it is being reported that all three have a price tag similar to Pochettino. Whereas, Nagelsmann only has an $8 million release clause. If rumors are to be believed, United have already begun negotiations with his camp.
But take that all with a grain of salt, as reports are that United have also tried negotiating with Ancelotti, Tuchel, Xavi, Glasner and De Zerbi. Meanwhile, Enrique is the only coach that would come free, but again, widespread reports are that he will resign with PSG. And, there are no reports that United have made contact with him.
Thus, if United are opposed to paying a ridiculous fee, rumors about Enrique are true, and the front office are cognizant of the limitations to Glasner, Southgate and Carrick, then…Welcome to Old Trafford Julian Nagelsmann.
Glory, Glory Man United!
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