Patrice Evra names ‘dream’ coach Man Utd should target to replace Michael Carrick | Football

Patrice Evra has urged Manchester United to give Michael Carrick a chance to prove he is capable of becoming the club’s permanent manger but admits he has an alternative ‘dream’ candidate in mind to take over.

The former United midfielder inherited a confidence-starved squad from Ruben Amorim in January but has completely transformed the mood at Old Trafford in the space of just eight matches.

Landmark wins over Manchester City and Arsenal provided an instant shot in the arm and further positive results against the likes of Everton, Fulham and Crystal Palace have further strengthened the Red Devils’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Even after a first defeat of Carrick’s tenure last week against Newcastle, United look well placed to make a return to Europe’s elite club competition, a prospect that looked remote at best when he took over.

Whether Champions League football will be enough to convince the United board he is the man for the long-term remains to be seen and Evra fears it would be too hard to ignore the credentials of Luis Enrique were he interested in the job.

He told Stake: ‘I’m not talking to the Man United board or Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but in my honest opinion, with no disrespect to PSG or Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but Luis Enrique would be a dream coach for Man United.

‘I love the man, I love his philosophy, what he went through in his personal life and overcame it shows his personality.

‘The job he’s done at PSG by bringing them a Champions League without Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, it’s a fantastic job.

‘Players would have to work really hard to play for Man United, they’ll have to run a lot and I think Enrique would bring that.

‘But, I don’t think we should write off Michael Carrick, he’s done a great job and we need to give him an opportunity.

‘People want an amazing manager for Man United, but right now, we need someone who understands the club and the players.

‘Enrique is a genius tactician and great with players, but I think Carrick deserves a chance.’

Regardless who is at the United helm next term, resolving the future of Bruno Fernandes will represent a priority.

The 31-year-old is enjoying a stellar campaign but even the lure of Champions League football may not be enough to convince him to remain at the Theatre of Dreams.

‘Man United nearly lost Bruno Fernandes at the start of the season and Ruben Amorim was able to get him to stay.’ added Evra.

‘Players with Bruno’s calibre can always go to any club and win trophies elsewhere, but he’s at Man United. He believes in the history of the club, he’s a captain, his family might be settled in Manchester.

‘Some players have left Man United and gone on to win trophies, but they didn’t have the same impact there as they did at Man United.

‘I think Bruno will have a lot of opportunities in the summer, it’s up to him whether he wants to go.’

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