Candidate to be new Man Utd boss with Premier League experience throws hat in ring

A candidate for the Manchester United job with previous Premier League experience has thrown his hat into the ring.

Michael Carrick has made an excellent start to his role as interim manager at United but it is far from clear if he will be given it on a full-time basis at the end of the season.

Whether United should stick with Carrick or go for someone with more experience has divided opinion and ultimately the team's form until the end of the season will be decisive.

But one of the possibilities that United are believed to be looking at has reportedly said he is "keen" on the role.

Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, 46, is currently without a club, having left Marseille by mutual agreement last month.

United and Tottenham have been linked with a summer move for the combative Italian, with both clubs seeking a permanent head coach.

Despite receiving interest from Spurs, De Zerbi is understood to favour the Old Trafford job.

The Telegraph claims that he is “keen on” the prospect of becoming the new United boss.

That would be a huge blow to Carrick, who has lost just one match since becoming interim Red Devils head coach in January. Carrick suffered his first defeat against Newcastle on Wednesday following goals from Anthony Gordon and Will Osula.

And it appears though United players still want the club legend to be given the job permanently.

Stars including Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are impressed with Carrick’s tactical approach and his knowledge of the game.

However, Carrick has also had criticism, including from former player Paul Scholes. He took to Instagram after the Newcastle match and said: "Michael has definitely got something special about him...cos Utd have been c*** last four games."

It is currently unclear if the Red Devils will decide to stick with the former England ace or appoint a new boss. Alongside De Zerbi, Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martinez are among the other managers to have been linked.

Meanwhile, the Italian – who spent 20 months in charge of Brighton before leaving at the end of the 2023-24 season – has also been tipped to become the new Tottenham head coach.