Carragher's Man Utd Managerial Wish List: Four Names in the Frame, Two Absolutely Off the Table

Michael Carrick may have orchestrated one of United's finest performances of the season—a commanding 2-0 dismantling of Manchester City at Old Trafford—but don't expect the interim boss to be handed the keys to the kingdom long-term, according to Jamie Carragher.

The Liverpool legend has been forthright in his assessment of Carrick's credentials for the permanent role. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher made clear his reasoning: "I'm crossing out Michael Carrick. Do I believe this guy can win the league? I have to believe he can. I don't believe Man Utd will win the league with Carrick, or Chelsea will with Liam Rosenior. You have to be special."

Instead, Carragher has constructed a four-man shortlist of managers he feels possess the necessary calibre and temperament to restore United to their former glories. Eddie Howe, Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann make up his preferred quartet—all men, he argues, with the requisite "energy" and "drive" to propel the club forward.

The former defender has also been equally definitive about who absolutely cannot take the job. Jurgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso are completely off-limits, with Carragher emphasising the latter's deep-rooted connections to Liverpool: "Jurgen Klopp will not be managing Manchester United. That is out. Xabi Alonso – he cannot do that. He can't, his affiliation with Liverpool. That can't happen."

Beyond his favoured four and the two he's ruled out entirely, Carragher has systematically worked through the wider field of candidates. Carlo Ancelotti lacks the necessary dynamism, while Zinedine Zidane—despite being a younger counterpart—faces similar concerns. Enzo Maresca, though talented, doesn't fit the bill. Xavi's limited managerial experience outside Barcelona, Roberto Martinez's absence of elite club management, and Mauricio Pochettino's perceived lack of drive all fall short of requirements.

Oliver Glasner's tactical approach doesn't align with United's needs, whilst Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva, despite their excellent work, would find the leap from their current stations too sizeable—Tottenham, Carragher suggests, represents a more natural next step for the latter pair.

Roberto De Zerbi possesses the coaching credentials but carries a reputation for friction with boardrooms, whilst Diego Simeone presents an intriguing alternative, though his defensive-minded philosophy sits uncomfortably with the club's traditional identity.

Carrick's recent heroics have sparked genuine hope that United could yet salvage Champions League football this season, potentially strengthening his hand in negotiations with INEOS. Whether that proves sufficient remains another matter entirely.