Manchester United make contact with Didier Deschamps over manager’s position, says report

Manchester United have made contact with former France manager Didier Deschamps as uncertainty continues over Michael Carrick’s future, according to The Sun.

Carrick’s position as the club’s current head coach is understood to be unstable, although United’s 3-2 comeback victory over Roma has given him some additional time. United recovered from being two goals down at half-time to secure the win.

The club are exploring alternatives for the manager’s role by speaking to Deschamps, despite the effect of the Roma result on Carrick’s immediate prospects.

Deschamps spent 14 years in charge of France and led them to victory at the 2018 World Cup. He also built a successful club-management career with Monaco, Juventus and Marseille.

During his time with Juventus, Deschamps helped the club return to the Italian top flight after they had been relegated because of a match-fixing scandal. He also won the French league title with Marseille and guided Monaco to the Champions League final, where they were beaten by Porto under Jose Mourinho.

The 57-year-old also has experience of English football. He spent the 1999-2000 season with Chelsea towards the end of his playing career.

According to The Sun, Manchester United’s hierarchy are not convinced by the managers currently available, including Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann.

Fabian Hurzeler has also been ruled out because of the substantial compensation Brighton would receive for releasing the German manager.

Deschamps has been without a managerial position since ending his long spell with France, during which he oversaw the national side’s World Cup success in 2018.

Manchester United are due to face Aston Villa on Sunday evening in the 10th round of the Premier League.