Manchester United are reportedly preparing to replace interim manager Michael Carrick with a permanent appointment in the summer.
Carrick has turned the team’s fortunes around since taking over from Ruben Amorim, but the club are looking beyond his role as caretaker or interim coach.
According to The Sun , United have identified five potential candidates: Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, former Brighton and Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi, and current Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Glasner is expected to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season, while De Zerbi is currently without a club following his recent departure from Marseille.
The other three names would require considerable convincing to leave their current positions, but an offer from the Red Devils could get everyone thinking.
United’s strong run under Carrick has lifted them into the top four, but the hierarchy are focused on securing a long-term solution to build on recent progress.
Otherwise, there are nine rounds left to play in the Premier League and United has 51 points in third position, the same as Aston Villa in fourth and three points more than Chelsea and Liverpool who occupy positions five and six.