^ ^ The six managers Man Utd considered before appointing Michael Carrick

Manchester United have stuck with Michael Carrick as manager (Picture: Getty Images)

Michael Carrick was appointed as Manchester United’s permanent head coach on Friday, but he was far from the only option the club considered.

The 44-year-old returned to the Red Devils on January 13 to take up the interim head coach role after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.

Carrick had vast experience at Old Trafford, having played 464 times for the club, coached there under a previous regime and even taken caretaker charge for three games in 2021.

However, with his only full time managerial experience coming in the Championship with Middlesbrough, it seemed very unlikely that Carrick would stay on beyond his interim role.

Love football?

Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we've got everything you need to know. Sign up now.

Club legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane even said there was no way that Carrick should be given the permanent job, no matter how well he did over the rest of the season.

Four months on and Carrick has led Manchester United to a comfortable third place finish, playing some attractive football and he has got the gig on a two-year contract.

The Manchester United hierarchy looked at a number of other possible candidates, though, with at least six other managers in the running.

Thomas Tuchel signed a two-year extension with England in February (Picture: Getty Images)

The Athletic report that a trio of international managers were on Manchester United’s radar, but the upcoming World Cup made any moves difficult.

England boss Thomas Tuchel has long been admired at Old Trafford and he was ‘checked on’ in January, but signed a new contract with the Three Lions.

Another possible candidate, Carlo Ancelotti, signed a new deal with Brazil, while Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann was unable to enter discussions due to World Cup commitments.

Andoni Iraola is leaving Bournemouth at the end of his contract this summer (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United also looked at managers who have impressed in the Premier League, specificially Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Aston Villa’s Unai Emery.

While Iraola has been very impressive with the Cherries, the Red Devils chiefs thought it too big a leap to move to Old Trafford.

Emery would have cost as much as £20m to sign from Villa and there were concerns that he could not replicate his success at a club where he would not be able to exert as much control as he enjoys at Villa Park.

Unai Emery won the Europa League for a fifth time (Picture: Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique was also considered, but the Spaniard isdoing a superb job in France, with the chance of winning back-to-back Champions League finals this weekend.

PSG had no intention of letting him go and are still working on a new contract for him to keep him at the club beyond 2027.

With certain options out of their reach and others considered to have significant downsides, Manchester United have stuck with Carrick to lead them into next season.

‘From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United. Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride,’ he said after his appointment was confirmed.

‘Throughout the past five months, this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here.’

Comments Add as preferred source

^ ^ Kobbie Mainoo rejected chance to leave Manchester United for Premier League rival last summer

There was an approach for Kobbie Mainoo last summer (Picture: Getty Images)

Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United career has had spectacular ups and downs already and could have come to an end last summer.

Still just 21 years old, the midfielder burst onto the scene so impressively in the 2023/24 season that he was starting for England at the European Championship that summer.

However, the departure of Erik ten Hag and arrival of Ruben Amorim as Red Devils manager was not to his benefit.

The Portuguese coach did not seem to rate Mainoo nearly as highly as many others did and the youngster found himself out of the starting XI, with a future suddenly uncertain.

Love football?

Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we've got everything you need to know. Sign up now.

The turgid Amorim era came to an end in January and Mainoo was immediately back in the team, first under caretaker boss Darren Fletcher and then interim manager Michael Carrick.

He has been a consistently good performer ever since and will head to the World Cup with England this summer as a result, returning to his position as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League.

Things could have been very different for Mainoo as he was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford last summer and had the chance to do just that.

Ruben Amorim did not see Kobbie Mainoo as key to his Manchester United team (Picture: Getty Images)

The Stockport-born star was open to a move away in search of game time, in fact he asked for one, but wanted it to be a loan switch.

The Athletic report that Chelsea made their interest clear in the summer of 2025, but wanted to sign Mainoo permanently, hoping to do so for around £40m.

The report states that Mainoo rejected that proposition, with the idea of a permanent switch to west London ‘holding no appeal’ to the midfielder.

Napoli were the other interested party, but a temporary or permanent move to Italy could not be agreed as Manchester United knew they would have to bring in a replacement if he left.

Michael Carrick has returned Mainoo to the fore (Picture: Getty Images)

Amorim’s departure solved the problems for Mainoo as he was straight back into the starting XI after he left and has since signed a new long-term contract which runs until 2031.

The 21-year-old has also spoken glowingly about the influence of Carrick, who has now seen his interim role become permanent.

After scoring a rare goal in the 3-2 win over Liverpool in April, Mainoo said of United’s resurgence under the manager: ‘He’s [Carrick] played a huge part.

‘The confidence in not just me but all the players. You want to follow him and fight for him and die for him on the pitch. That’s what we showed today.’

One classy midfielder celebrating another 🥰Michael Carrick was every @ManUtd fan as Kobbie Mainoo scored the winner against Liverpool 🥳 pic.twitter.com/iZ3JuGVm2p

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 3, 2026

He added on the Inside Carrington podcast: ‘You believe what he says, and you want to get behind him.

‘The information he has, you can believe every word, because he’s been here, through the ups and downs, as a United player. Especially for me, in my position, he helps me a lot. All the gems I get from him I take.’

Carrick has returned the compliments, saying: ‘I’ve been hugely impressed with Kobbie since I’ve been here.

‘I think I’ve known him for quite some time in different capacities, but I’ve certainly been aware of him for a long time. He epitomises this football club, you know? Young players coming through the Academy, who live and breathe the club and come through with real talent.’

Comments Add as preferred source

^ ^ Declan Rice names the surprise Arsenal player who showed real leadership during title run-in

Declan Rice celebrated Arsenal’s title win after a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)

Declan Rice has revealed the turning point in Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign came in a meeting that followed a disastrous result against Wolves.

The Gunners looked to have opened the door to Manchester City back in Februrary when they let a two-goal lead slip against the division’s bottom club and were held to a 2-2 draw following an injury time equaliser.

After lifting the trophy at Selhurst Park on Sunday, Rice spoke eloquently about the crisis talks that followed that capitulation at Molineux where the words of three players in particular resonated with the rest of the squad.

Captain Martin Odegaard was to the fore, but Rice also credited the wisdom of Christian Norgaard, who has played a major role behind the scenes this season, as well as Eberechi Eze.

Love football?

Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we've got everything you need to know. Sign up now.

The summer signing from Palace was hardly a fixture in the team at that point but Rice outlined how the calmness Eze portrayed had a major impact on the result that followed.

He said: ‘I know one player, Norgaard said some realy good words, but I was going to say Martin as well when he started it off but also Eze, he ended it with some really nice and strong messages.

‘He’s such a calm guy, you see how he is on the pitch that’s how he is off the pitch. He just calmed everyone and it was really nice.

Eberechi Eze celebrated Arsenal’s title win at his former club Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)

‘That’s been another thing this season, there’s been a lot of people who have stepped up behind the scenes.

‘Nobody would think they’re leaders but they’ve really been talking within the group and they’ve pushed people in quiet one to ones. It’s been a real group effort this season.’

Following the setback at Wolves, Arsenal went on a run of four successive league wins against Tottenham, Chelsea, Brighton and Everton that proved decisive in the end, even if there were further stumbles before they eventually got over the finish line.

Martin Odegaard and Christian Norgaard played roles behind the scenes at Arsenal this season (Picture: Getty)

‘There were a couple of crucial meetings that took place as a group without any of the staff, just players,’ Rice added.

‘After Wolves was one of them, going into the Spurs game that was. That was the most crucial one because we said if we’re going to win let’s enjoy winning in a good way, let’s not just feel pressure all the time.

‘We got so far playing so well and we were in all competitions and everything felt so god but there was also a bit of a negative you could just sense it and we said let’s just relax a bit.

‘From that moment everyone calmed down and that was the turning point.’

Comments Add as preferred source

^ ^ Chelsea flop becomes Everton transfer target and is urged to make move

David Moyes is hoping Everton have a big summer in the transfer market (Picture: Getty Images)

Everton are eyeing a summer move for Chelsea forward Liam Delap after a disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge.

Delap only joined the Blues from Ipswich Town last summer, completing a £30m move after an impressive Premier League campaign with the Tractor Boys, scoring 12 league goals.

The 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact in west London, though, not coming close to that goal-scoring tally with his new club.

Delap has scored just one Premier League goal in 27 appearances, netting twice in 40 outings across all competitions.

Love football?

Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we've got everything you need to know. Sign up now.

The former Manchester City forward has struggled to command a place in the starting XI, but 12 of his 27 league appearances have come from the start.

The England Under-21 international signed a six-year contract with Chelsea less than 12 months ago, but he could be on his way out of the club this summer.

The Sun report that the striker is one of Everton’s top targets in the upcoming transfer window, along with making Jack Grealish’s loan move from Manchester City permanent.

Liam Delap has failed to make an impact at Chelsea (Picture: Getty Images)

Former Everton striker Louis Saha has backed the move for Delap, feeling that he will be more likely to fulfil his potential there than at Chelsea.

Much will depend on how new Blues manager Xabi Alonso rates Delap, but Saha has talked up a move to Merseyside.

‘Chelsea’s strategy is a bit messy,’ Saha said via Compare.Bet. ‘They’ve mixed a lot of profiles without really thinking it through, hoping something special would come out of it. But that’s not how football works.

‘This sometimes leads to bad consequences and can destroy the confidence of many players, and Liam Delap has been one of them.

‘I do think that Everton will bring him back to his high standard and can help him fulfil his potential. He’d definitely bring something different than Beto and Barry.

Delap’s one Premier League goal this season came at Fulham in January (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I think there are good things that will come out of this move if it materialises. I genuinely believe that Liam can be the type of striker who scores 20 goals if he’s given the right chance.’

Everton manager David Moyes has made no secret of the fact he wants the club’s owners to spend big this summer as he wants to push forward and challenge for Europe next season.

Everton have an option to buy Jack Grealish for £50m (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I believe that’s what we need to do and I also want the ownership to show that as well,’ he said.

‘I want them to come out and show, “We’re here, we’re going again, we’re supporting you”.

‘And by the way, you can’t always just keep spending bundles of cash, you have to get some rewards for it somewhere along the line.

‘But I hope we can add to what we’ve got. I hope we can excite the supporters a little bit with what we’re trying to do.’

Comments Add as preferred source

^ ^ How Chelsea can qualify for Europa League on final day of Premier League season

Chelsea travel to Sunderland on the final day of the Premier League season (Chelsea FC via Getty)

Chelsea remain in with a chance of qualifying for the Europa League on the final day of the Premier League season.

Calum McFarlane’s side currently sit eighth in the Premier League ahead of their trip to Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

Should Chelsea finish in eighth place that would secure them a place in the UEFA Conference League next season.

Chelsea are already out of the running to secure a place in next season’s Champions League but a spot in the Europa League, a competition they have won in 2013 and 2019, is still a possibility.

Love football?

Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we've got everything you need to know. Sign up now.

Qualification for the Europa League will depend on Brighton’s result at home to Manchester United. If Fabian Hurzeler’s side beat United, Chelsea will be unable to finish in the Europa League place.

European places if Aston Villa finish fourth

1. Arsenal – Champions League
2. Man City – Champions League
3. Man Utd – Champions League
4. Aston Villa – Champions League
5. Liverpool or Bournemouth – Champions League
6. Bournemouth, Brighton or Liverpool – Europa League
7. Bournemouth, Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea or Sunderland – Europa League
8. Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea or Sunderland – Conference League

Because of their superior goal difference over Brentford, if Chelsea beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and Brighton draw or lose to United, they will almost certainly finish in seventh place.

If Brighton lose to United by two goals and Brentford fail to win away to Liverpool, Chelsea can also finish seventh with a draw.

Chelsea’s highest possible finish in the Premier League is seventh

However, a defeat for Chelsea would mean they fail to qualify for any European competition next season as they would be overtaken by Sunderland.

‘It’s going to be a great game,’ said Chelsea’s interim head coach McFarlane.

European places if Aston Villa finish fifth

1. Arsenal – Champions League
2. Man City – Champions League
3. Man Utd – Champions League
4. Liverpool – Champions League
5. Aston Villa – Champions League
6. Bournemouth or Brighton – Champions League
7. Bournemouth, Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea or Sunderland – Europa League
8. Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea or Sunderland – Conference League

‘Both teams need to win as well. Sunderland have had a brilliant season. They’re a really good side, a really challenging side, causing you problems.

‘We need one more push, one more big game, three points, and hopefully get ourselves up that table.

‘We’re more than capable of going there and winning that game, but we know we have to be at our best to get three points because they’re a very good side.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Comments Add as preferred source

^ ^ Ederson transfer update as Atalanta confirm agreement for £45m Man Utd target

Ederson is on the brink of leaving the Serie A club (Picture: Getty)

Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino has confirmed midfielder Ederson is in talks to join a ‘major club’ with Manchester United reportedly on the brink of signing the Brazilian.

United have made rebuilding their midfield a top priority this summer with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali all on their list of targets.

United want at least two new midfield players – possibly three if Manuel Ugarte follows Casemiro out the Old Trafford exit.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson has emerged as another target with reports in Italy claiming United are now on the brink of sealing a £45million move for the 26-year-old.

Love football?

Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we've got everything you need to know. Sign up now.

Atalanta finished their Serie A campaign with a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina on Friday night with Ederson left out of the squad.

Quizzed on his absence post-match, head coach Palladino revealed the midfielder is deep in talks over a move to leave the club.

‘Ederson is out because a major club is following him,’ he told reporters. ‘It was a decision we agreed with the boy because there is something there at the transfer market level.

Reports in Italy claim a fee has been agreed (Picture: Getty)

‘The fact that such a player is being followed by such a big club must be a source of pride.’

While Palladino did not name United as the club in talks with his player, further reports in Italy report it is the Premier League side who are on the brink of striking a deal.

United will reportedly pay €48m (£41.5m) up front, plus €5m (£4.3m) in bonuses.

Carrick was confirmed as the new permanent Man Utd boss on Friday (Picture: Visionhaus)

Ederson, who was left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad by Carlo Ancelotti, is now understood to be ready to travel to Manchester to finalise his move to Manchester.

Atletico Madrid have also held talks with Atalanta to sign Ederson but were able to reach an agreement with the Serie A club.

United’s options in midfield have been limited all season with Casemiro’s exit set to leave a huge void in the middle of the park.

The former Real Madrid star said goodbye to Old Trafford last weekend in the win over Nottingham Forest and will not involved away to Brighton on the final day of the season on Sunday.

Comments Add as preferred source