This is the one Man United fans like: the club has chosen a new permanent manager if Michael Carrick does not continue.
On 16 Jan 2026 GMT+7, The Sun, a prominent British media outlet, reported that Manchester United, the Premier League giant, is considering candidates for the new permanent manager after sacking Rúben Amorim last week.
Initially, Manchester United appointed Darren Fletcher, former player and U18 coach, as interim for two matches before naming Michael Carrick, club legend and former staff coach, as caretaker manager to steady the team until season's end.
Recently, sources revealed that Michael Carrick is unlikely to be among the candidates Manchester United will consider for the permanent managerial role this summer, as the club prioritizes a manager with Premier League experience.
The Sun also reported that one contender under Manchester United's consideration is Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique Marseille, who previously managed Brighton and demonstrated his capabilities in the Premier League.
Roberto De Zerbi made his name in the Premier League after moving from Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine's top club, in 2022, leading Brighton to 6th place in the 2022-23 Premier League season and securing a spot in the Europa League—the club's first-ever European competition in its 122-year history.
The Sun further revealed that Roberto De Zerbi was interviewed by Manchester United in May 2024 when new co-owner INEOS, who recently took over from the Glazer family, was searching for a replacement for Erik ten Hag.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail, another major outlet, reported that Roberto De Zerbi remains favored by many Manchester United executives after guiding Olympique Marseille to 2nd place in Ligue 1 last season; this season, the team sits 3rd behind Lens and Paris Saint-Germain.
Although Roberto De Zerbi is contracted with Marseille until 2027, reports indicate he is interested in returning to manage in the Premier League, making him an appealing choice for Manchester United as their new permanent manager.
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