The race for the Manchester United hot seat has taken a dramatic turn. While Michael Carrick continues his unbeaten run, reports have emerged that United’s “dream candidate,” Zinedine Zidane, has reached a verbal agreement to become the next head coach of the France national team after the 2026 World Cup.
With Zidane reportedly snubbing club offers to wait for Les Bleus, the pressure is mounting on Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS to abandon their search for a “big name” and look at what is already working.
Dion Dublin: “Don’t Tinker With It”
Former United forward Dion Dublin has issued a clear warning to the club hierarchy: replacing Carrick this summer could be a catastrophic mistake.
Speaking to OLBG, Dublin highlighted the stability Carrick has brought after the chaotic end of the Ruben Amorim era:
“If it’s working, don’t mess with it. The players are on board, they are enjoying their football again. For the first time in years, United looks stable and strong.”
The Stats Don’t Lie: The “Carrick Revival”
Since taking over in January, Carrick has transformed United from mid-table strugglers to top-four heavyweights.
- The Record: 5 wins and 1 draw in 6 Premier League games.
- The Scalps: Massive victories over Manchester City (2-0), Arsenal, and Tottenham.
- The Standings: United now sit 4th, just three points behind Aston Villa.
Zidane’s Snub: A Blessing in Disguise?
For months, Sir Jim Ratcliffe was said to be “dreaming” of bringing the three-time Champions League winner to Old Trafford. However, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Zidane’s verbal agreement with the French Football Federation (FFF) is “sealed,” United’s search for a world-class alternative has hit a wall.
Other targets like Oliver Glasner (leaving Palace) and Gareth Southgate remain on the list, but none possess the current momentum of the man in the dugout.
Wayne Rooney Joins the Chorus
Carrick’s former teammate Wayne Rooney has also thrown his weight behind the interim boss, telling The Mirror:
“We’ve tried Mourinho, Van Gaal, Ten Hag, and Amorim. For me, Carrick makes sense. He’s a calming influence who actually cares about the club’s foundations.”
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
