Manchester United targets surprise new contender to replace Michael Carrick
According to reports in England, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez is in the running to become United’s next permanent manager after the 2026 World Cup.
Roberto Martínez’s contract with Portugal runs through July 31, 2026, just days after the World Cup concludes in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With that timeline in mind, the Spanish coach has emerged as a potential target for Manchester United for next season, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Premier League experience a key asset
Martínez is no stranger to England, thanks to his time in the Premier League with Swansea, Wigan, and Everton. He famously led Wigan to an FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in 2013, a victory still remembered as one of English soccer’s great upsets.
Currently, Michael Carrick is serving as interim manager at United, a role he’s holding until the end of the season. Carrick has made a case for a permanent appointment with key wins over Manchester City and Arsenal.
Where Martínez fits in
Martínez joins a shortlist that includes Roberto De Zerbi, currently without a club after leaving Marseille, and Julian Nagelsmann, Germany’s national team coach.
“One of the names I’ve been told is being considered internally at Manchester United is Roberto Martínez,” Jacobs said on The United Stand podcast. “It’s expected he would leave the Portuguese national team to make way for José Mourinho, and he’s on the candidate list. I don’t think Martínez’s style necessarily makes him the frontrunner, but he’s definitely in the mix along with Nagelsmann and De Zerbi.”
Martínez and Portugal focus on World Cup glory
According to AS, Martínez and the Portuguese Football Federation will not discuss his future until after the World Cup. For now, their attention is fully on the tournament.
Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to feature, enters the competition as one of the favorites, coming off a Nations League title and eager to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.