At the turn of the new year, Rúben Amorim's time in charge at Manchester United came to an end following an explosive post-match press conference after drawing 1-1 against Leeds.

As Darren Fletcher oversaw two games in the meantime, United's shortlist reportedly narrowed down to a reunion with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick, who had been out of a job since leaving Middlesbrough in June 2025.

INEOS ultimately opted to go for the more unknown option, trusting Carrick to take charge of the squad for the rest of the season and try to qualify for any kind of European football next season.

Instead of steadying the ship after the dramatic end to Amorim's tenure, the former United midfielder blew expectations completely out of the water, winning back-to-back games against Manchester City and Arsenal to set the tone for the rest of the season.

From Carrick's ten games so far, United have won seven games, drawn twice and lost just once, propelling United up to third in the Premier League table, six points clear of fifth place, the final Champions League spot.

During negotiations to appoint Carrick until the end of the season, the former midfielder was reportedly only interested in taking charge of his former side until the end of the season.

With that in mind, United have not left any stone unturned in their search for their next head coach, despite reports that Carrick is currently considered the favourite to land the job this summer after the success he has enjoyed so far.

Speaking in a recent YouTube video, journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that PSG manager Luis Enrique is seen as the dream option to lead Manchester United forward. 

Speaking about this interest, he said, "What I can say is that Paris Saint-Germain remain absolutely optimistic. Nothing has been signed yet, but Paris Saint-Germain remain absolutely optimistic, as they've always been. So Luis Enrique is advancing in these conversations with Paris Saint-Germain over a new contract for the next year. So until 2030, the conversation is very positive.

"The reality on Luis Enrique and Manchester United is that, let me say, there is someone internally at Manchester United who is a big, big fan and dreams of Luis Enrique as Manchester United manager one day.

"But at the moment, the focus of Luis Enrique is on negotiating this new contract with Paris Saint-Germain and on the pitch."

As Man Utd find themselves on the brink of an unlikely Champions League campaign next season, considering the club's very poor start to the season, the club simply have to get their next head coach appointment right.

Reports indicate that United will explore any and every managerial option possible, as seen by the club's interest in the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel, despite the pair already being contracted to manage Germany and England.

Having already been burned by their staunch backing of Amorim, who perhaps should have been sacked much earlier than he was, it could prove to be an extremely valuable lesson that INEOS have learned, and can use it to make sure they get their next managerial appointment correct.

With Enrique expected to extend his contract at PSG, and the World Cup taking place in the summer, many current international managers could find themselves available if they fail to live up to expectations with their respective nations, and United need to act quickly if an ideal candidate becomes available.