Why didn't Manchester United pursue these four managers in the summer?

Manchester United’s coaching shortlist from last summer is being discussed again as pressure builds on Michael Carrick, but Ben Jacobs says none of the names under consideration amount to formal talks or an agreement.

Managers who were not available

Jacobs said Julian Nagelsmann was focused on leading Germany towards the World Cup at the time, and it was not clear he would leave after the tournament. Thomas Tuchel was another serious option, but he was in charge of England and had already extended his contract.

Eddie Howe was also on United’s list, although he was still at Newcastle and not easy to prise away. Howe eventually left Newcastle in summer 2026 and is now out of work.

Emery and the current picture

Unai Emery was another name considered. Jacobs said there was no reason then to think he planned to leave Aston Villa, though the situation may now be different.

The managers’ names have resurfaced as United weigh up their next move, but Jacobs stressed that this does not mean the club has opened talks with any of them.