Manchester United has struggled to find a suitable long-term manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. The tenures of coaches like David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Erik ten Hag all fell short of expectations. In early 2026, Ruben Amorim, who had been seen as a bright prospect for the club’s future, was dismissed from his role.
Currently, Michael Carrick has stepped in as a caretaker manager, taking on the responsibility of stabilising the team. Under his guidance, the Red Devils have not only improved their performance but have also displayed a more cohesive style of play. Additionally, they have entered the race for a top-four Premier League finish, which guarantees qualification for the Champions League.
Despite this progress, the club’s management is keen on appointing a more seasoned coach with a more extensive track record to lead the team starting next season. As a result, the search for a new manager is actively underway. The media has linked several names to the role, including Oliver Glasner. According to insights from Ben Jacobs, another name has now been added to the list of potential candidates.
Roberto Martinez, the current head coach of the Portugal national team, is reportedly in consideration for the position. Martinez is currently focused on leading the team at the World Cup, but he is expected to step down after the tournament. This would make him available for free if Manchester United decides to pursue him.
Martinez is no stranger to Premier League football. Between 2013 and 2016, he managed Everton, and he also had previous stints with Wigan Athletic and Swansea. His managerial career also includes a significant spell with the Belgian national team.
Among the most notable accomplishments are the victory against Portugal in the Nations League and winning the English Cup with the previously mentioned Wigan.