Chelsea and Man United to go head-to-head for new head coach

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The Peoples Person

·23 April 2026

Chelsea and Man United to go head-to-head for new head coach

Manchester United have a huge decision to make in the next few weeks. After sacking Ruben Amorim in January, the club hired Darren Fletcher as an interim for two matches and then Michael Carrick.

The Englishman has done a stellar job, with United beating teams such as Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea during his tenure. As a result, the Red Devils find themselves in a great position to secure Champions League football, needing just six points from the remaining five games to consolidate a spot amongst Europe’s elite next season.

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Decision

Owing to the success the team has had with Carrick at the helm, it is thought that the permanent job is his to lose at this point.

Nonetheless, sources suggest that United are still scouring the market for a replacement coach, and they have been linked to a plethora of names. Names such as AFC Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann and Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique have been linked to the Old Trafford hotseat.

Chelsea effect

After United defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Saturday, the Blues lost their fifth consecutive game on Tuesday when they were beaten 0-3 by Brighton & Hove Albion.

This led to the sacking of manager Liam Rosenior yesterday, and now Chelsea will provide stiff competition in United’s search for a permanent manager.

Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that, “Chelsea have not yet formally spoken to any candidates to replace Liam Rosenior. However, Andoni Iraola is expected to be one of the leading names approached.”

Julian Nagelsmann seems less likely as he was not “sold on the model” of the club when he was last interviewed for a job.

Luis Enrique is also seen as unlikely for Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge, as he seems certain to extend his trophy-laden stay in Paris.

What’s more, “Eddie Howe, Francesco Fariola, Filipe Luís and Edin Terzic (also a candidate for Athletic Club) all have admirers within the club and have come up in discussion for previous vacancies.”

The Newcastle boss, Howe, is also said to have admirers at United.

Whoever United or Chelsea appoint or do not appoint in the summer, the two clubs will once again be fishing in similar waters.