Martinez Emerges as Shock Contender for Man Utd Hot Seat as Ronaldo Backs Portugal Boss

Manchester United have quietly added Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez to their managerial wish list ahead of a potential summer appointment, fresh reports suggest.

The Old Trafford hierarchy is casting a wide net following their decision to bin Ruben Amorim after just 14 months of misery last January. Michael Carrick stepped in to steady the ship on a temporary arrangement, and has made a tidy fist of it—five wins and a draw from his opening six matches have propelled United to fourth in the Premier League table with European football back in sight.

Carrick's impressive early spell has naturally positioned him as a leading candidate for the permanent gig, though the club will be acutely aware of the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer precedent and the perils of promoting from within without proper consideration of alternatives.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs speaking to The United Stand, Martinez has landed on United's radar as he prepares his exit from the Portugal job. The former Everton and Wigan Athletic manager has faced considerable flak from Portuguese fans despite steering his nation to the 2025 Nations League final and securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo, however, has waded into the debate with a robust defence of his international boss. Speaking to O Jogo back in June, Ronaldo made his position crystal clear: "If a coach reaches the final, it is because he has done an excellent job. Questioning someone who has a spectacular record for Portugal makes me confused, but I understand."

He continued: "If a coach gets to the final and he is questioned, imagine the others. There has been a bit of a lack of respect in this regard. Talking about other coaches is a lack of sense, but the coach has done an extraordinary job."

Ronaldo went on to highlight what he values most about Martinez's tenure, emphasising the Spaniard's commitment and passion. "Even when you win, there is this debate, but it is part of the parrots who are at home and give their opinion," he said. "What we have to say is that we are very happy with the work that the coach has done, because arriving with a different nationality, speaking our language, singing our anthem with a passion that I see, that is what I value most. The rest doesn't matter at all."

Martinez has also publicly waxed lyrical about Bruno Fernandes, United's captain, during an appearance on Gary Neville's The Overlap. The Portugal boss painted a glowing picture of the midfielder's leadership qualities and work ethic.

"I think he's very unfairly assessed," Martinez explained. "To be the captain of Manchester United in the last three or four years, I bet it's been incredibly tough at every level. What I appreciate from him is that he never hides. He never hides."

Martinez elaborated on Fernandes' emotional intelligence and influence within the dressing room. "He's very emotional, but in a very respectful way by his team-mates. When his team-mates see that Bruno is upset, they react. They know that that's something," he said. "It's not like he's an emotional player who just has emotions for emotions and I think that's the difference with other emotions."

The Portugal chief also commended Fernandes' consistency and availability. "He looks after every player. He would never ever let anyone down. But what I appreciate is the consistency. Last season, he was the player with the most minutes in Europe. If you are the captain of Manchester United, in a tough period, it's difficult to be available all the time and always be there. I think that's what Bruno has done."