Manchester United are reportedly considering former Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick. The Red Devils are exploring options after their winless run stretched to seven matches in all competitions following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Serie A side Como.
Pressure Mounts on Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick had faced growing pressure prior to the Como defeat, though he recently described a 1-1 draw against Leeds as a fresh start for his squad. However, following the midweek loss, the head coach appeared defeated in post-match interviews, prompting the club hierarchy to reportedly sound out potential successors.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher described the manner of the defeat against Como as shocking, telling CBS Sports that it looks increasingly likely that Carrick is going to lose his job. Carragher noted that while the result itself was not entirely unexpected given current expectations, the performance could have serious repercussions for the manager.
When questioned on whether the team’s struggles stem from squad quality or coaching, Carragher pointed to multiple factors, praising opposing manager Cesc Fabregas while questioning whether any part of the Manchester United setup is currently functioning correctly.
Marcelino Emerges as a Free Agent Option
A host of names have been linked with the Old Trafford dugout, including Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery, Fabian Hurzeler, Antonio Conte, and Eddie Howe. According to reports from Spanish website Fichajes, the club has also added Marcelino to their list of options.
Marcelino has been available without a club since his second spell at Villarreal concluded at the close of the 2025-2026 season. The Asturian coach departed after failing to reach a contract renewal agreement, having successfully guided the Spanish side to consecutive UEFA Champions League qualifications.
His current free-agent status means Manchester United could appoint him without negotiating a compensation package with another club. At this stage, there is no public confirmation that the English club has initiated contact with the manager or his representatives, leaving him as a possibility rather than the frontrunner.
