Manchester United is experiencing a positive period under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, who has provided stability after Ruben Amorim’s exit.
The Portuguese coach took charge at Old Trafford in November 2024 but was dismissed in January 2026 after just over a year. United is now in search of a new permanent manager, with an appointment likely in the summer.
While Carrick is proving to be a serious contender for the job, the club still aims to recruit an elite manager. Numerous names have surfaced, including Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel, who recently signed a new contract with the England national team. Another candidate has come to light, though he is considered a historical option.
On the Talk of the Devils podcast, Andy Mitten shared that Thiago Motta was considered for the role previously, before Ruben Amorim was appointed.
Mitten explained: “People didn’t know that Thiago Motta was being put forward to Manchester United as a promising coaching candidate before Amorim got the job.”
He added, “This was not common knowledge at the time. Manchester United viewed him very seriously.
“Ruben Amorim wasn’t even among the initial candidates; he was an outsider. The club was also looking at the big names, those who are already proven in the Champions League and can handle media pressure confidently.”
While it was known that Motta was linked to the position, learning that he was actively considered changes the context around Amorim’s hiring.
At that time, Motta had recently started his tenure at Juventus, enjoying a ten-game unbeaten streak and winning six of those matches.
However, he was let go by Juventus in March 2025 after the team’s disappointing exits from both the Champions League and Coppa Italia, even while they were placed fifth in Serie A.