Man United set deadline for final decision on new head coach

Manchester United have reportedly set a deadline for the decision to appoint a permanent head coach – and it is one which rules out a number of the leading candidates for the Old Trafford hot seat.

It is understood that Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants the long-term successor to Ruben Amorim to be in place before the World Cup kicks off this summer, according to the Manchester Evening News . Taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament will commence on 11 June, with El Tricolor facing South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Alongside the Glazer family, United’s co-owner is intent on appointing a new head coach by the beginning of the summer, with the calendar at club level drawing to a close at the end of May. This will allow the new boss to “monitor potential targets” at the World Cup , while “planning pre-season preparations for the following month”, with a number of United players expected to be on the plane for their respective nations.

However, this essentially rules out the prospect of appointing a manager currently in charge of a country set to compete at the tournament, given the risk that accepting a job offer at Old Trafford beforehand may have on their chances of success in North America.

England boss Thomas Tuchel was considered the frontrunner for INEOS, after he was impressed when being interviewed for the United job in 2024. However, the 52-year-old German is set to extend his contract with the Three Lions beyond this summer.

Similarly, Carlo Ancelotti is another option under consideration, but the Italian is also expected to renew his deal with the Brazil national side until 2030.

Nevertheless, United’s decision to want a new coach in place before 11 June would almost certainly have ruled both options out, regardless of their contract status – as it may for two other targets.

Mauricio Pochettino has long been admired by United, dating back to his days as Tottenham Hotspur manager. And while his reputation was not necessarily enhanced by his subsequent spells at Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea, the fact that he has experience – both in England and for Europe’s biggest clubs – is a key attribute for INEOS.

However, the Argentine is set to lead the USMNT this summer. He is unlikely to be looking beyond the World Cup , given how important a tournament it is for America as a host nation.

Conversely, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is also appreciated at Old Trafford , particularly by recruitment director Christopher Vivell, owing to their shared time at RB Leipzig. The 38-year-old tactician is considered one of the brightest young minds in football.

But he has no experience outside of the Bundesliga at club level, potentially hurting his prospects for the United job. And the expectation to accept an offer from INEOS prior to leading his home nation may further inhibit this.

United’s hierarchy are caught between a rock and a hard place this summer. If the club are intent on pursuing a manager competing at the World Cup , it would present a huge risk to wait until the tournament’s close – in mid-July – to appoint them.

It would severely restrict the new coach’s ability to be involved in planning for the transfer window, both in terms of incoming and outgoing players, while limiting the amount of time on the training pitch they get with their new squad.

However, if INEOS decide, for example, that Nagelsmann is the right man for the job, it is potentially an even bigger risk to go with a candidate lower down the list, whose main attribute is simply being available – such as Roberto De Zerbi .

The final twist to consider is the presence of Michael Carrick , in place as caretaker coach until the end of the season to afford United time to source Amorim’s successor. Should the club’s shortlist narrow to such an extent that a compromise is needed, perhaps sticking with the 44-year-old Englishman may be a better decision than twisting into the unknown.

Featured image by Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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