New names on Man United's shortlist - Enrique and Pochettino

Manchester United have drawn up a shortlist of four names as they begin the search for a long-term successor to Ruben Amorim, following his abrupt exit from Old Trafford. Among the candidates being closely watched are Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique and United States manager Mauricio Pochettino, while Michael Carrick is poised to steady the ship as interim boss through the remainder of the 2025–26 season.

Amorim’s tenure came to a premature end after just 14 months, with the club acting decisively in the aftermath of his explosive criticism following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road.

In the immediate fallout, Darren Fletcher was handed temporary control of first-team duties, but results failed to improve. A 2-2 league draw with Burnley was followed by an FA Cup elimination at the hands of Brighton, prompting United to move swiftly again.

Fletcher is expected to resume his role with the club’s Under-18s, clearing the path for Carrick to step in as interim head coach until the end of the campaign. It will mark the second time Carrick has been entrusted with the role, having previously overseen a brief but unbeaten three-match spell in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s dismissal.

Carrick’s coaching team is set to include familiar and experienced faces, with former Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate and ex-Chelsea and England assistant Steve Holland both tipped to join him on the Old Trafford bench.

Behind the scenes, United’s hierarchy are focused on identifying a permanent appointment capable of handling the relentless pressure that comes with the job. According to the Mirror, Luis Enrique is viewed as one of the club’s leading options, with United monitoring developments at PSG closely. The Spaniard is due to enter the final year of his contract this summer and has yet to commit his future in Paris, making him an attractive target.

Pochettino also features prominently on the four-man list, alongside England manager Thomas Tuchel and Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, underlining United’s preference for proven, elite-level experience.

Carrick will take charge of first-team training for the first time on Wednesday as players return following their FA Cup disappointment. His baptism back in the dugout could hardly be tougher: a Premier League derby against Manchester City awaits, followed by a daunting trip to league leaders Arsenal.

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There is, however, some positive news. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are both set to rejoin the squad after their AFCON campaigns ended at the quarter-final stage, offering Carrick a timely boost as he prepares for a demanding start to life back on the United touchline.