Four leading candidates to manage Man Utd after falling through with Tuchel and Ancelotti.

Manchester United is at a crucial crossroads in its rebuilding process. Hopes of bringing in legendary names like Thomas Tuchel or Carlo Ancelotti have officially vanished after both managers decided to commit their long-term futures to the English and Brazilian national teams, respectively.

This disappointment has forced the Red Devils' owners to thoroughly review their list of candidates to find someone capable of restoring the club to its former glory. Below is an in-depth analysis of the four most promising candidates who could take over the hot seat at Old Trafford next summer.

Luis Enrique: Class and a philosophy of imposing attacking play.

Luis Enrique is currently one of the world's leading strategists with a resume full of trophies. Since joining Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023, he has helped the French team dominate the domestic league and, most notably, win the prestigious Champions League for the first time last season.

Enrique not only brought trophies but also built a fiery, dominant, and dedicated attacking style of play, something Manchester United fans have long craved. However, recruiting the Spanish strategist is no easy task. Even though he's nearing the end of his contract with PSG, the Red Devils would have to pay a huge compensation fee and a record-breaking salary to persuade him to leave the Parc des Princes.

With Enrique, Manchester United will have a world-class manager, but this comes with financial pressure and demands for a complete overhaul of the squad structure to suit his philosophy.

Andoni Iraola: A breath of fresh air from the Premier League

If Manchester United are looking for a manager with a deep understanding of the Premier League environment, Andoni Iraola is a name they can't overlook. The 44-year-old coach caused a sensation last season by leading Bournemouth to a ninth-place finish with 58 points, a remarkable achievement considering the team's resources.

Even though the club had to sell off a number of key players during the summer and winter transfer windows, Iraola still helped "The Cherries" maintain incredible stability and remain in the top half of the table. Iraola's strengths lie in his free-flowing, attacking style and his excellent ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

He has proven he can achieve impressive results without a huge transfer budget. This could be a strategic choice for Manchester United, given the club's need for someone capable of building a sustainable team from existing resources without causing major personnel changes.

Roberto De Zerbi: Versatility and a strong personality

Roberto De Zerbi was once a leading candidate for the manager's job at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024. Currently, the Italian strategist is a free agent after parting ways with Marseille by mutual agreement.

De Zerbi is globally renowned for his tactical flexibility; he can easily switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 or 3-4-2-1 formation to suit different opponents and match circumstances. This adaptability is a powerful weapon that helps his teams consistently create surprises.

However, the biggest obstacle for De Zerbi is his strong personality and demand for absolute control at the club. He often refuses outside interference in transfer plans or playing style, a style similar to Ruben Amorim or Erik ten Hag before him. This could create conflicts with Manchester United's new leadership, who are looking to impose a tighter sporting management structure.

Michael Carrick: A choice born from belief and the Red Devils' identity.

The final candidate, and the one receiving the most enthusiastic support from the fans, is Michael Carrick. Since taking on the interim role last month, the former Red Devils midfielder has delivered truly extraordinary results.

Resounding victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham helped Manchester United climb to fourth place in the league table, rekindling hopes of a return to the Champions League. Carrick not only delivered results but also revived the "United identity" with his traditional attacking style in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He understood the club's values, earned the absolute respect of the players, and the trust of the fans.

If they can maintain a top-four position until the end of the season, Michael Carrick will be the strongest candidate for the starting spot. Appointing a seasoned veteran with extensive experience and a successful track record would be the least risky move but would provide the greatest morale boost for the team during this crucial period.

Thanh Vinh