Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as permanent manager on a contract until June 2028 after the 44-year-old secured Champions League qualification during his interim spell. The deal, which includes a club option for a further 12 months, was finalised following approval from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Simultaneously, Chelsea have confirmed Xabi Alonso as their new head coach following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, while Jose Mourinho is in final negotiations to return to Real Madrid as the Spanish giants resolve a period of internal dressing room instability.
Carrick earns permanent United role following top-four finish
According to Fabrizio Romano, writing for FootballTransfers, Michael Carrick has secured his long-term future at Old Trafford after successfully navigating the club back into Europe’s elite competition. The former United midfielder, who took charge on an interim basis earlier this season, convinced the INEOS-led sporting department of his suitability after stabilizing a squad that had struggled for consistency. While specific salary figures remain undisclosed, the three-year commitment represents a significant shift in United’s recent strategy, opting for continuity over another high-profile external appointment. Carrick’s success in meeting Ratcliffe's primary objective of Champions League football proved the decisive factor in his promotion.
Alonso arrives at Chelsea as Mourinho nears Bernabéu return
Chelsea officially announced 44-year-old Xabi Alonso as their new manager on 16 May following direct discussions between the Spaniard and the club's leadership. The move for the tactically flexible head coach comes as Chelsea look to rebound from their 2026 FA Cup final defeat and establish a long-term project. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho is set for a sensational third stint at Real Madrid. Romano reports that an agreement is "imminent" after negotiations that began in March. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated that "Mourinho has accepted absolutely everything" regarding the terms offered by Florentino Pérez. The move to bring back the Portuguese veteran follows reports of fractured relations within the current Madrid squad, specifically involving Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, as the club seeks a disciplinarian to restore order.
The managerial merry-go-round is expected to settle before the start of the 2026 World Cup, with Mourinho’s official confirmation at the Bernabéu the final piece of the puzzle.