'Verbally agreed' - Michael Carrick boost as Manchester United manager rival set to land new job - report

Michael Carrick has reportedly been handed another potential boost in his hope of being named the next permanent head coach of Manchester United.

The 44-year-old was appointed until the end of the season after United parted company with Ruben Amorim last month. Although his job title did not refer to an 'interim' or 'caretaker' position, Carrick's initial role was only until the summer, when the club aims to appoint a permanent successor to Amorim.

United sources insist they will not be swayed by emotion when they make the important decision, and they will evaluate several candidates before a final decision is made. United are unbeaten in their first five matches under former midfielder Carrick and are well-placed to secure Champions League qualification at the end of the campaign. Even though there is still plenty of work to be done, Carrick has certainly strengthened his own case for the role during his first month in the role.

Zidane 'verbally agrees' to take France job

Michael Carrick might have a better chance of being named the next permanent Manchester United head coach after a potential rival for the role agreed to take another job.

Fabrizio Romano claims Zinedine Zidane has 'verbally agreed' to replace Didier Deschamps as France manager after the 2026 World Cup this summer. The Real Madrid legend has regularly been linked with a potential switch to the Premier League and was one of the first names to be suggested as a potential United head coach at the end of the season.

“He was never really close to or very interested in coaching, for example, Premier League clubs," Romano said on the Here We Go podcast. "He was waiting for the right opportunity, and that opportunity in his mind is to become the new coach of the French national team after the 2026 World Cup."

Zidane is the latest high-profile name to withdraw from the running to become the next United head coach after Thomas Tuchel agreed an extension in his role as England national team manager, while Carlo Ancelotti is also expected to sign a new contract as head coach of the Brazil national side.

It means Carrick might only face competition from the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate to become the next United head coach.

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