Michael Carrick is in a very strong position to be named the next permanent Manchester United manager at the end of the season.
The 44-year-old was appointed on an initial temporary basis while the club searched for a long-term successor to former head coach Ruben Amorim. Carrick has excelled during his first few months in the role, with United well positioned to secure Champions League qualification at the end of the campaign. The former midfielder is also very popular among the first-team playing squad and has earned plaudits for his attractive style of football.
United sources insist they won't be swayed by emotion and will conduct a thorough process before a final decision is made. The calls for Carrick to get the job will only strengthen once Roberto De Zerbi is announced as the new Tottenham Hotspur manager, while his appointment will also reduce the number of suitable candidates for the Old Trafford position.
With that in mind, here are XX candidates who might still be in with a chance of the United job this summer.
5. Andoni Iraola
Iraola has quietly gone under the radar at Bournemouth and might be a gamble worth taking this summer. There are doubts over how he'd cope at a club like United though. | Getty Images
6. Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino has been of long-term interest to United and is open to a Premier League return. He won't be available until after the World Cup with the United States and has lost some of his appeal in recent years. | Getty Images
7. Gareth Southgate
Southgate is liked by some key figures at Ineos but he has not figured in the hunt for a permanent boss. He is unlikely to be considered for the job this time around. | Getty Images
8. Fabian Hurzeler
Hurzeler has been inconsistent at Brighton but he is an appealing young manager with plenty of Premier League experience. He is another who might not cope with the pressure of such an elite club. | Getty Images