Following Ruben Amorim’s sacking earlier in January, Manchester United are on the hunt for a new permanent head coach. And, Liverpool great Jamie Carragher has ruled one 55-year-old tactician out of the running during a recent segment on Sky Sports.
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During a conversation on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Carragher and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry discussed who could next be in charge of Manchester United. The Reds great asserted former England head coach Gareth Southgate has no chance of joining United.
“Oh no, he’s not getting that job! I hope he’s not watching! I just think that the club is ‘find a way to win’, the complete opposite to Barcelona. I don’t think there’s those people in the game as much now… what we associate a Real Madrid manager as. A (Vicente) del Bosque or a (Carlo) Ancelotti. Guys who, I think it’s simplistic to say don’t do much coaching, but almost keep the players happy,” the ex-Liverpool centre-back remarked.
Southgate, who will turn 56 this September, has lately popped up as a viable option for the full-time head coach role at Manchester United. He earned his fame after coaching England for eight years between 2016 and 2024, guiding the team to 64 wins in 102 games.
The former Aston Villa and Crystal Palace defender left the England role after tasting defeat in the 2024 UEFA European Championship final. He also helped The Three Lions progress to the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals and the 2020 UEFA European Championship final.
Meanwhile, former Red Devils midfielder Michael Carrick is in the dugout of his former team in a caretaker role. He guided the Old Trafford outfit to an uplifting 2-0 Premier League win over rivals Manchester City in front of their own supporters last Saturday, Jan. 17.
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However, Carragher is of the opinion that Carrick will be let go by his club this summer.
“I always think this when a Liverpool manager is appointed: Do I believe this guy can win us the league? It doesn’t mean he will do it, but I have to believe he can. I don’t believe Manchester United can win the league with Michael Carrick as manager. I am not trying to be disrespectful. I am giving my honest opinion of what I feel and what they have done in the past. You have to be really special,” Carragher said about Carrick.
The Red Devils, currently in fifth place with 35 points from 22 league outings, will next face Premier League leaders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 25.
