KUALA LUMPUR: Manchester United have approached former France manager Didier Deschamps as uncertainty continues to surround Michael Carrick’s future at the club, according to the Sun UK.
While a Champions League comeback victory over Roma bought Carrick some breathing room, the United hierarchy are assessing potential replacements should they decide to make a change.
Deschamps, 58, spent 14 years managing France, leading them to World Cup glory in 2018.
Prior to his international tenure, he enjoyed a successful club managerial career with Monaco, Juventus, and Marseille.
He guided Juventus to promotion from Serie B following their match-fixing scandal, won Ligue 1 with Marseille, and led Monaco to the Champions League final, where they lost to Jose Mourinho’s Porto.
Deschamps also had a stint in English football as a player with Chelsea during the 1999-2000 season.
Deschamps was keen on the Real Madrid post after leaving the France national team after the World Cup, but lost out to Mourinho when the Portuguese coach returned to the Spanish club for a second stint.
French reports say Deschamps remains relaxed about returning to management and is in no rush to make a decision.
United had explored parting ways with Carrick in recent weeks, but found no suitable candidate ready to take charge immediately.
Club insiders say decision-makers are unconvinced by available managers Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe, and Julian Nagelsmann.
A source said: “The best ones won’t come.”
United have made no formal approach for Conte, while Howe, the former Newcastle United manager, has conducted due diligence ahead of a possible offer.
Christopher Vivell, United’s director of recruitment, had worked alongside Nagelsmann within the Red Bull group and has been the driving force behind the German coach’s inclusion on the shortlist.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has virtually been ruled out because of the substantial compensation fee required, with the same hurdle applying to Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery.