The manager Manchester United are monitoring if Michael Carrick is not chosen; he has managed Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United has always been a club defined by its high-stakes drama, but the 2025/2026 season has taken the narrative to a whole new level of unpredictability. What began as a bold new era under Rúben Amorim quickly devolved into a tactical vacuum. The Portuguese tactician, hailed as the "next big thing" in European coaching, unfortunately, saw his vision vanish before it ever had a chance to take root at Old Trafford.

Amorim’s tenure was characterized by a startling lack of an identifiable playing style and an inability to halt a performance nosedive that had been brewing for months. With league inconsistency and a complete absence of answers during "clutch" moments, the United board was left with no choice: the cycle had to end.

In the wake of Amorim's exit, the club turned to a familiar face to stop the bleeding. Michael Carrick stepped into the interim role with a singular, humble mission: steady the ship and soothe a fractured dressing room. Unlike his predecessor, Carrick didn't arrive with a complex revolutionary manifesto. Instead, he opted for a more approachable discourse and a pragmatic tactical shift.

By simplifying player roles and restoring basic defensive organization, the former midfield maestro achieved the unthinkable. He didn't just stop the fall; he ignited a resurgence. Under Carrick, United has:

Weeks ago, the atmosphere at Old Trafford was one of total uncertainty. Today, there is a sense of purpose. However, despite this remarkable turnaround, the "interim" tag remains firmly attached to Carrick’s name.

You might think a top-four charge would be enough to secure Carrick the permanent job, but the corridors of power at Manchester United are rarely that straightforward. While the sporting directorate values Carrick’s incredible work, there is a lingering belief that the "next stage" of the project requires a profile with greater international projection and proven experience in deep club reconstructions.

The goal for the hierarchy is a manager who can guarantee medium-term stability while competing toe-to-toe with the tactical giants of the continent. Essentially, they are looking for a "Galáctico" of the bench, someone who brings a resume that commands immediate global respect.

This is where the plot thickens. According to reports circulating in the British press, Roberto Martínez has emerged as a primary candidate to take the reins at the Theatre of Dreams. The Spaniard is no stranger to the Premier League, having spent years managing Everton and Wigan, which gives him an intimate understanding of the English game's unique demands and relentless intensity.

Currently at the helm of the Portugal National Team, Martínez’s future is intrinsically linked to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The timing is almost too perfect; as the tournament concludes, Martínez may look for a return to club football just as United prepares for its next permanent chapter.