Ferguson's three preferred Man Utd managers all out of reach as Carrick clings to job

Michael Carrick survived the axe at Manchester United following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, with chief executive Omar Berrada, technical director Jason Wilcox and co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family opting to give the manager more time after crisis talks. United sit 16th in the Premier League, their only league win this season coming against Ipswich Town, and they have also been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton and thrashed 4-1 by Como in Europe.

Reports suggest United’s reluctance to move on from Carrick is driven largely by the absence of elite, ready-made replacements in the current market. A look at the three managers Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly championed or coveted over the years illustrates the problem — every one of them is unavailable.

Massimiliano Allegri

When Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024, Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Ferguson lobbied for Allegri, whom he viewed as his preferred successor given a long-standing admiration for Italian football. Allegri won the Scudetto with AC Milan in his debut 2010/11 season, then claimed five consecutive Serie A titles at Juventus and reached two Champions League finals. His second spell at Juventus ended in 2024, the point at which Ferguson reportedly made his recommendation. Ruben Amorim was chosen instead, and Allegri subsequently took charge of Napoli in July following Antonio Conte’s departure — ruling him out of any United approach.

Mauricio Pochettino

Ferguson has long been an admirer of Pochettino, whose high-intensity pressing style and record of developing young players at Southampton, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain align with the values Ferguson instilled at Old Trafford. The Argentine guided Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and most recently managed the United States national team. His current commitments and profile make him another name beyond United’s immediate reach.

The Wider Picture

Carrick was appointed interim in January after Amorim’s dismissal and initially impressed, securing Champions League football and a third-place Premier League finish. Backed moderately in the summer transfer window, his side have struggled badly in the new campaign. The pattern of United’s managerial search — from Ten Hag to Amorim to Carrick — reflects a recurring difficulty in attracting the calibre of coach Ferguson’s endorsements represent. Until that changes, Carrick appears set to continue in the role, however precarious his position remains.