caughtoffside
·7 Mei 2026
'It’s a no-brainer' - Berbatov names his choice for next permanent Man United manager

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Yahoo sportscaughtoffside
·7 Mei 2026

Following a dramatic late-season resurgence under the interim leadership of Michael Carrick, resulting in a crucial top-four finish and Champions League qualification, the debate over the permanent vacancy in the dugout is intensifying. A number of high profile names have been linked with the United job and understandably so.
It is one of the biggest jobs in football and every other manager would want the opportunity to get that major role.
Recently, the support for Carrick is increasing after his team secured qualification for the Champions League.
Now, former Red Devils icon Dimitar Berbatov has weighed in, emphatically declaring that his former teammate is the undisputed choice to lead the club forward next season.
Speaking recently to Sky Sports, Berbatov did not mince words regarding the current situation at Old Trafford.
For the Bulgarian hitman, who shared the pitch with Carrick during United’s dominant, trophy-laden era under Sir Alex Ferguson, handing the 44-year-old a permanent contract is simply a “no-brainer.”
Asked if Carrick has done enough to get the job, Berbatov told Sky Sports, as reported by Metro:
‘And more, in my opinion, and more.
‘The team has qualified for the Champions League, the team is playing free-flowing football with swagger, with so much belief, scoring goals.
‘Of course there is work to be done as well, for sure. But looking where the team were, with all the problems, with things that were going on, and now with how things have improved.
‘Michael Carrick and his staff, and of course the players, deserve the credit and I think if you ask anyone, probably 99 per cent will say of course!
‘I heard some of the interviews from the players who are supporting him. “We are going to die for him on the pitch. He knows how to speak with us, the results are here.”
‘For me, it’s a no-brainer, he needs to stay.’
Berbatov highlighted Carrick’s intimate understanding of the club’s DNA, his notably calming presence in a high-pressure environment, and his immediate tactical impact as key reasons why the INEOS sporting hierarchy should abandon any search for external candidates.
Furthermore, Berbatov’s sentiments echo a growing consensus within the Old Trafford dressing room.
Players like Amad Diallo and Casemiro have broken their silence and backed Carrick to become the next permanent manager of the club.
As Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS leadership deliberate their next decisive move, the pressure to make the right appointment is immense.
If Berbatov’s passionate plea and the squad’s vocal backing are anything to go by, Man United may already have the perfect architect for their long-term rebuild sitting right in front of them.







































