Manchester United’s Managerial Decision: Interim Carrick’s Success Meets Ratcliffe’s Southgate Preference

Manchester United have not yet named a permanent manager for the 2025/26 season. Michael Carrick, a former England midfielder, became interim boss in January 2024 and has steered the club to third place, keeping Champions League qualification alive. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chair of INEOS, publicly favours former England coach Gareth Southgate and wants him considered alongside Carrick.

Man Utd: Sir Jim Ratcliffe picks his preferred manager candidate – it’s not Michael CarrickNext Man Utd manager: Wayne Rooney ‘lobbying’ for candidate who is not Ratcliffe’s preferred optionNext Man Utd manager: Michael Carrick ‘frontrunner’ but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has another candidate in mind

Since Carrick’s appointment, United have not recorded fewer points than any other Premier League side and remain third. Rooney notes Carrick’s winning percentage is the highest among United managers after a comparable number of games.

Next Man Utd manager: Wayne Rooney ‘lobbying’ for candidate who is not Ratcliffe’s preferred option

• Jan 2024 – Carrick appointed interim manager.

Next Man Utd manager: Wayne Rooney ‘lobbying’ for candidate who is not Ratcliffe’s preferred option

• Jul 2024 – Southgate leaves England after Euro 2024 final loss.

Next Man Utd manager: Wayne Rooney ‘lobbying’ for candidate who is not Ratcliffe’s preferred option

• Early 2025 – Ratcliffe meets Carrick; Southgate added to shortlist.

Man Utd: Sir Jim Ratcliffe picks his preferred manager candidate – it’s not Michael Carrick

• Nov 2025 – Southgate says he is not seeking club management.

Man Utd: Sir Jim Ratcliffe picks his preferred manager candidate – it’s not Michael Carrick

• End of 2025/26 – United plan to announce permanent manager.

Next Man Utd manager: Michael Carrick ‘frontrunner’ but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has another candidate in mind

Ratcliffe said Southgate’s profile “aligns well with the demands of Old Trafford.” Carrick stressed he is not chasing a deadline and enjoys his role. Former captain Wayne Rooney urged United to appoint Carrick, claiming he “has the best winning percentage of any Manchester United manager” and “should get the job.” Southgate, in a November 2025 interview, confirmed he is not looking to return to club management, preferring other contributions to football.

Next Man Utd manager: Wayne Rooney ‘lobbying’ for candidate who is not Ratcliffe’s preferred optionNext Man Utd manager: Michael Carrick ‘frontrunner’ but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has another candidate in mindMan Utd: Sir Jim Ratcliffe picks his preferred manager candidate – it’s not Michael Carrick

The football department argues Carrick fits United’s long-term vision, while Ratcliffe’s Southgate push creates tension. Critics warn that assessing a manager who has ruled out a return could distract the club, whereas Carrick supporters point to his results and squad familiarity.

Next Man Utd manager: Michael Carrick ‘frontrunner’ but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has another candidate in mind

Sources disagree on Ratcliffe’s influence: some list Southgate as a serious candidate, others stress the department’s Carrick preference. Southgate’s own disinterest clashes with reports that United are still evaluating him. No final timeline has been disclosed.

Next Man Utd manager: Michael Carrick ‘frontrunner’ but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has another candidate in mind

• “In terms of deadline, it’s not something I’m really chasing,” he said. “It will become clear when it becomes clear.” — Michael Carrick, Interim Manager

Man Utd: Sir Jim Ratcliffe picks his preferred manager candidate – it’s not Michael Carrick

• “The former England international said about Carrick earlier this month: “100% he should [get the job].” — Wayne Rooney, Former Player

Next Man Utd manager: Wayne Rooney ‘lobbying’ for candidate who is not Ratcliffe’s preferred option

• “Southgate on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I’ve had one of the most incredible jobs in football, which also had a higher purpose because it was my country.” — Gareth Southgate, Former England Manager

Next Man Utd manager: Wayne Rooney ‘lobbying’ for candidate who is not Ratcliffe’s preferred option

• “I think there’s a lot to go, we still want to keep improving, you know, there’s layers that we want to get to, really.” — Michael Carrick, Interim Manager

Man Utd: Sir Jim Ratcliffe picks his preferred manager candidate – it’s not Michael Carrick

Manchester United plan to finalize the permanent appointment after the 2025/26 season, with the shortlist expected to narrow in the coming weeks as the club reviews Carrick’s interim record, Ratcliffe’s preferences, and its strategic objectives.

Man Utd: Sir Jim Ratcliffe picks his preferred manager candidate – it’s not Michael Carrick