Jamie Carragher says Michael Carrick lacks the “special” status to be Manchester United’s long‑term manager, naming Tuchel, Nagelsmann, Howe and Luis Enrique as favoured replacements. Betting impact: expect odds to shorten on those high‑profile names while Carrick drifts — punters may prefer backing an experienced outside appointment over an internal promotion.
Carragher: Carrick not “special” enough for permanent Manchester United job
Jamie Carragher has cast doubt on Michael Carrick’s chances of being appointed Manchester United’s long‑term manager. While Carrick has been given the interim role until the end of the season and started with a 2-0 derby victory, Carragher argued that the club needs someone “really special” to win the Premier League and suggested Carrick does not meet that threshold.
Four names Carragher believes should lead United
Carragher picked four frontrunners he believes fit the Old Trafford brief: Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Luis Enrique. He praised Tuchel’s energy, drive and willingness to “go to war” for his team. Nagelsmann was described as a coach with “something to prove” after a difficult recent spell at Bayern Munich. Eddie Howe earned credit for his attractive style and media handling, while Luis Enrique was labelled the kind of high‑demand coach most clubs would covet.
Who Carragher ruled out
Several big names were dismissed by Carragher as unsuitable fits for United’s current situation, including Carlo Ancelotti, Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate, Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca, Zinedine Zidane and Oliver Glasner. Carragher said these options did not match what he sees as the profile needed to restore United to title contention.
Context: United’s recent managerial instability
United have gone through multiple managerial changes since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. The latest upheaval came after the club moved on from Ruben Amorim, whose promising reputation did not prevent a short and turbulent reign at Old Trafford. That instability is central to why Carragher insists the club needs an established, transformational figure rather than an in‑house caretaker.
Betting market implications
Carragher’s public dismissal of Carrick as a permanent option is likely to influence markets. Bookmakers may shorten odds on the experienced external candidates named by Carragher, while Carrick’s price could drift. Punters looking for value might back an established manager with a proven track record, whereas those tempted by a continuity story could still see longer‑term returns if Carrick delivers sustained results.
What next for Carrick and United
Carrick has roughly four months to impress the Old Trafford hierarchy. A strong run of results could force a rethink, but Carragher’s comments underline the pressure on interim bosses to produce immediate evidence of “special” managerial qualities if they are to be considered for a permanent role.
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JAMIE CARRAGHER doesn't believe Michael Carrick is "special" enough to get the Manchester United job - but he's named four managers who are.
Carrick has four months to impress Old Trafford bosses after being given the interim job until the end of the season. And he could hardly have made a better start than the...
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