Manchester United face crucial summer decisions as Zinedine Zidane is considered for a huge manager role and Michael Carrick continues his unbeaten run
Jake Bayliss Sport Writer – U35s and Neil Docking
06:51, 24 Feb 2026
Michael Carrick has overseen a Manchester United revival but will he get the manager job on a permanent basis?(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United are ready to make several pivotal choices this summer as they chase Champions League qualification.
Interim manager Michael Carrick’s sensational start at the Premier League giants continued with a 1-0 win away against Everton on Monday night, with United now sitting fourth in the table. Carrick will be hoping to persuade United chiefs to hand him the manager’s position on a permanent basis by continuing his unbeaten run.
However, the club have plenty of options. Reports have suggested Zinedine Zidane is edging closer to a managerial comeback, while Carrick has highlighted one of the obstacles that United will encounter during the summer. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Zinedine Zidane is one option for Manchester United(Image: Matthias Hangst, Getty Images)
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Zinedine Zidane ‘agrees’ next job
Zinedine Zidane has been connected with the Manchester United position on multiple occasions since departing as Real Madrid boss.
The 53-year-old football icon secured three Champions Leagues and two La Liga crowns during two stints managing Los Blancos but has remained unemployed since resigning in 2021.
The Manchester Evening News has revealed Zidane has struck a verbal deal to take charge of France following this summer’s World Cup.
Present manager Didier Deschamps is due to see his contract expire after the tournament concludes and Les Bleus could turn to their legendary World Cup winning hero Zidane.
Michael Carrick transfer warning
Casemiro has shown Manchester United fans what they will be missing next season(Image: Getty Images)
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Carrick, 44, has given his stance on United’s squad as he has admitted they will lose a crucial player in the upcoming transfer window and must act to replace him.
This follows the confirmation that Casemiro will depart the club when his contract expires, despite the seasoned defensive midfielder, 34, experiencing a resurgence this campaign, and the Brazilian international may prove challenging to replace.
“Yeah, well, listen, it’s an important position, I think,” Carrick said. “Not being biased, obviously, as being a midfielder, but I think it is an important position to try and tie everything together.
“You’re connected to the whole team, and that’s sometimes emotionally, a little bit mentally, and showing that composure and understanding of the game a little bit. And Case’s has had a big influence within the group on that.”
