Jamie Carragher Names Four-Man Shortlist for Manchester United Job as He Rules Out Michael Carrick

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has identified four managers Manchester United should target for their permanent managerial role, while explaining why interim boss Michael Carrick is not the right man for the job.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, the former Liverpool defender narrowed down a list of 25 potential candidates to just four names: Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique, and Eddie Howe.

Carrick is currently in temporary charge at Old Trafford following the departure of Ruben Amorim and recently guided the team to a 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City. However, the club is expected to make a permanent appointment in the summer.

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During the show, Carragher systematically eliminated numerous high-profile managers. He quickly dismissed former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and ex-Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso due to their strong ties to United's rivals. "He cannot do that," Carragher stated regarding Klopp's affiliation with the Reds.

Zinedine Zidane was described as "a younger version" of Carlo Ancelotti who "suits Real Madrid," while England manager Gareth Southgate and former United boss Ruben Amorim were also crossed off the list. Carragher argued that Ancelotti, now with the Brazil national team, "wouldn't have the energy and drive to get United up the league."

Other notable exclusions included Mauricio Pochettino, who Carragher felt had adopted a more "laid back" approach at Chelsea compared to his time at Tottenham. Former Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille, was deemed too confrontational, with Carragher suggesting "he is liable to go to war within about six weeks with the owners."

In contrast, Carragher praised his final four candidates. He highlighted England boss Thomas Tuchel's "energy and drive," noting his willingness to "go to war" for his club. He also hailed Julian Nagelsmann's reputation and suggested the German manager has "something to prove." Newcastle's Eddie Howe was commended for his style and ability to handle media pressure.

Ultimately, Carragher was firm in his decision to rule out Michael Carrick for the permanent position, despite his interim success.

"I am not going to change my mind," Carragher explained. "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... You have to be really special. Think of the managers who have won the Premier League, 99 per cent of them are special, and I think Michael Carrick lacks that. I might be proven wrong, but that is why I will take Michael Carrick out of that."