Manchester United have continued to tighten their managerial shortlist and settle on a ‘leading contender’ as well as ruling out three high-level targets for the job.
United have overseen a dramatic turnaround since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January, with the club now sitting third in the Premier League table and on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Carrick’s impressive stint in charge has led to him being considered as the favourite to be named the club’s permanent manager and transfer reporter Ben Jacobs told The United Stand that the 44-year-old has been told by the Red Devils that he is a ‘leading contender’ for the full-time job.
“He [Carrick] IS one of the leading contenders and has been told that,” Jacobs said. “When he was given the job he was told it would only be until the end of the season, but United didn’t want to give him an interim title.”
United have also seen Luis Enrique’s become the latest name to be ruled out of contention with the Spaniard set to sign a new three-year contract at Paris Saint-Germain, while Gareth Southgate has had no approach and Enzo Maresca is also not in contention.
Instead, Jacobs confirmed that Julian Naglesmann has been discussed internally as a potential candidate by United but insisted that reports of talks already being held with the Germany boss are premature.
Carrick still leading candidates for Man Utd job despite decline in form
Carrick is still expected to be handed the United job permanently, having also commanded the support of the players, although no decision will be made until the end of the season.
United are still considering other coaches, like Naglesmann, and the announcement that Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season could play into their thoughts, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the Spanish coach would be open to a move.
However, United had previously briefed that they do not see any Premier League option, such as Iraola, Unai Emery or Oliver Glasner, as an upgrade to Carrick and it appears only a more proven option would stop the Geordie from getting the job.
United are also believed to have been unfazed by the surprising home loss to relegation threatened Leeds on Monday, even with the club only picking up four points from the last four games.
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