Michael Carrick was named interim head coach on Tuesday, but with the season winding down, Ineos are likely to start moving more quickly in their hunt for a long-term replacement.
Ruben Amorim was sacked last week after 14 months in charge and United have yet to settle on a full-time replacement.
Darren Fletcher took over for two matches following Amorim’s departure but could not find a win, with United exiting the FA Cup in the third round after a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.
Fletcher has since returned to his role coaching the U18s, while Carrick steps in as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
His main task is to guide United into next season’s Champions League. However, they are currently seventh in the league and have not won any of their last four matches across all competitions.
Beyond that, Carrick’s first match back is against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
A strong finish to the campaign could help his case, but it remains to be seen if he can turn things around quickly enough to make a lasting impact on his future prospects at Old Trafford.
Manchester United considering Xabi Alonso after his exit from Real Madrid
Manchester United are not the only major club to have made a change at the top early in 2026.
Xabi Alonso was dismissed by Real Madrid earlier this week after just seven months in charge, following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder won 24 of his 34 matches while managing at the Bernabeu.
Even with that short stint, Alonso is still expected to attract interest from clubs across Europe.
Given Ineos’ ongoing search for a new permanent head coach to replace Carrick this summer, it was always expected that United would be part of the discussion surrounding Alonso.
The Spaniard’s track record includes an impressive Bundesliga campaign with Bayer Leverkusen last season.
His side went unbeaten through the entire league season and even set a European record with a 51-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Miguel Delaney from The Independent has suggested that United are indeed considering Alonso, though they are aware it might be a long shot.
“They are definitely looking at it, while knowing it’s unlikely,” the journalist wrote.
“For United’s part, they do want to take the next five months to properly think about what next, but he will come into that thinking as one of the best coaching names on the market.
“There is obviously a realisation he has that connection to Liverpool, and that other jobs may be more appealing in terms of recent performance and what that says about their structures. United do feel they are getting that part right, though.”
Jamie Carragher shoots down Man Utd’s chances of hiring Xabi Alonso
It would not be the first time United have brought in someone with Liverpool ties.
Sir Matt Busby, for instance, played 37 times for Liverpool, scoring five goals, before laying the foundations that helped turn United into a global powerhouse – even in the wake of the Munich Air Disaster.
More recently, fitness coach Andy O’Boyle joined United after a spell with Liverpool.
Carragher played alongside Alonso during their playing days and did not waste any time shutting down the idea of his former teammate heading to Old Trafford.
The former defender said on Stick To Football: “He can’t go there.”
Liverpool fans will be keeping a close eye on the situation, hoping United do not make serious moves to bring Alonso in as their next manager.
- READ MORE: Wayne Rooney issues ‘don’t be fooled’ warning about Michael Carrick ahead of Manchester derby
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