Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi emerge as the top candidates to take over Manchester United next season

Manchester United is taking firm steps toward resolving the biggest debate of the upcoming season: the selection of its long-term head coach. According to information released by Fabrizio Romano, the INEOS board already has two renowned managers in mind: Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi. These two names are polar opposites—differing in styles, career paths, and philosophies—yet they share a common denominator: proven experience and ambition at the highest level of European football.

Following the dismissal of Rúben Amorim, the club opted for a consensual internal solution by appointing Michael Carrick as the new interim manager until the end of the season. This choice sought stability during a delicate period, with the immediate goal of keeping the team competitive in the race for Champions League qualification. However, the leadership at Old Trafford is fully aware that this interim period is merely the pathway toward a much deeper restructuring.

Carrick will not navigate this final stretch alone; his coaching staff includes faces well-known within the club's environment, such as Jonny Evans, Travis Binnion, Steve Holland, and Jonathan Woodgate. Despite this, Romano assures that this group will not continue beyond the summer. A near-total overhaul of the sporting project is expected, affecting both the bench and mid-term planning.

In this context, Tuchel and De Zerbi have surfaced as the first major candidates to be analyzed by INEOS. As Romano explained on his YouTube channel, both managers are highly regarded internally, though their current situations differ significantly.

Thomas Tuchel is currently fully focused on his role as the head coach of the England National Team, preparing for the upcoming World Cup. This commitment could potentially delay any formal negotiations. However, his trophy cabinet—boasting titles in Germany, France, and England—makes him a heavyweight option.

The German is known for his ability to manage complex locker rooms and extract peak performance from star-studded squads. This could be fundamental for a Manchester United team full of talent but plagued by inconsistent results. The main question lies in his tendency to demand high levels of control over sporting decisions, which might clash with the cooperative sporting model INEOS intends to establish at the club.

On the other hand, Roberto De Zerbi presents a profile focused on developing an attractive style of play and nurturing young talent. His successful tenure at Brighton and his current work with Olympique de Marseille have solidified his reputation as a coach capable of implementing innovative tactical proposals.

For many within the club, De Zerbi’s methodology might better align with the long-term project Old Trafford is seeking. His ability to build competitive teams with a clear and attractive identity is seen as a way to reconnect the club with its historical roots.

Although these first steps have been taken, the list of aspirants is far from closed. This will not be a quick or simple process, and the final decision will depend largely on how the season ends under Carrick’s supervision. Qualifying for the Champions League would not only relieve financial pressure but also broaden the range of options for the future.

Manchester United is bracing for a decisive summer. While Carrick tries to maintain direction in the short term—despite his brief tenure being scrutinized—the hierarchy is already working silently to determine who will lead the next great era of the club.