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Manchester United have reportedly identified Roberto Martinez as a candidate to take the reins at Old Trafford as the options available to INEOS get narrower and narrower.
A Round of Rejections
United’s hierarchy have established an extensive list of targets to become Ruben Amorim’s long-term successor after the Portuguese was sacked last month.
Michael Carrick was appointed as caretaker until the end of the season, with the 44-year-old Englishman enjoying a stellar start in his second spell as interim coach.
However, the club’s executive branch remains intent on waiting until the summer to choose their next head coach, despite the clamour for Carrick to get the job permanently growing by the week. This prospect has only been strengthened by a number of the leading contenders being ruled out of the running, either through choice or by action.
Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti are both set to renew their deals in their respective international roles, while Andoni Iraola looks increasingly likely to do the same with Bournemouth.
Conversely, Roberto de Zerbi and Oliver Glasner have dropped down the rankings after public fallouts with their clubs – Olympique Marseille and Crystal Palace – drew unfavourable parallels with Amorim’s explosive exit.
This has forced INEOS to consider other alternatives, such as Julian Nagelsmann, Mauricio Pochettino and Marco Silva. However, Ben Jacobs has now revealed that Martinez’s name has also been added to the list after internal talks identified him as an option who fits the criteria.
Martinez will be available
Speaking to The United Stand, Jacobs revealed the 52-year-old Spaniard is expected to be available this summer after the World Cup in North America.
Martinez has previously enjoyed spells with Swansea City, Wigan Athletic and Everton, as well as another international role with Belgium. He won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013, beating Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley.
United are understood to be prioritising coaches with Premier League experience, having been twice stung by imports from Europe who had not managed in England before.
However, Martinez has not taken charge of a club side in nearly 10 years after being dismissed by Everton in May 2016. Furthermore, he has never managed a Champions League side, nor implemented a style of play synonymous with the demands of modern football.
The challenge of dealing with big egos, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin De Bruyne, at international level is a feather in his cap. But the idea that INEOS would choose such an uninspiring option to lead the next stage of their revolution at the Theatre of Dreams is cause for concern.
If it comes down to a choice between Carrick and Martinez, is it really a choice at all?
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social