Manchester United may pursue 61-year-old Spanish tactician Marcelino Garcia Toral to replace Michael Carrick.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, the pressure on Michael Carrick has increased after Manchester United lost 4-1 to Como in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week. That has compelled the Premier League club to consider potential replacements, with Marcelino emerging as a target.
Michael Carrick and his Manchester United rollercoaster
Michael Carrick is increasingly likely to leave Manchester United after a disastrous start to the 2026/27 campaign. The Englishman earned the permanent managerial job after excellent displays by the team in the second half of the 2025/26 season, where the Red Devils earned more points than every other team.
With Manchester United finishing third in the Premier League standings, they returned to the UEFA Champions League after multiple seasons out of Europe’s premier competition. However, the Red Devils have failed to build on that exceptional end to the 2025/26 campaign, having won only two of their 11 games across all competitions this term.
The latest loss was embarrassing, as Como cruised to a 4-1 win in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week. As a result, Carrick is increasingly likely to depart from Old Trafford if the poor run continues, with several candidates, including Eddie Howe, emerging on Manchester United’s wishlist.
Is Marcelino suitable for Manchester United?
Marcelino Garcia Toral has been one of the most recognisable managers in La Liga over the past two decades. The Spaniard was an attacking midfielder during his understated playing career, hanging up his boots in 1994 before entering the coaching sphere in 1997. Since then, the 61-year-old has managed nearly a dozen teams; his most recent spell came with Villarreal.
While Marcelino did not win a major trophy with Villarreal, he has enjoyed success with Athletic Club by lifting the Copa del Rey in 2023. More importantly, he guided Villarreal to UEFA Champions League qualification regularly before calling time on his illustrious stint with the Yellow Submarine.
The Spanish tactician’s distinguished record managing teams with modest budgets makes him an intriguing option for Manchester United amid a time when they have become frugal spenders in the market. Additionally, his pragmatic, structured approach can help introduce stability to a team that is all over the place right now.
However, Marcelino is not the only manager on Manchester United’s wishlist, as they are also interested in Unai Emery and Antonio Conte. Meanwhile, recent reports have claimed that Julian Nagelsmann is open to moving to Old Trafford. So, the race to become the next head coach at Manchester United remains open.
