Manchester United are reportedly beginning to consider their options should Michael Carrick fail to turn around the club’s difficult start to the 2026/27 season, with Pep Guardiola being discussed in some circles as a sensational potential replacement for the under-pressure manager.
The speculation comes after another painful night at Old Trafford, where United surrendered a two-goal lead against Brighton and eventually suffered a 3-2 defeat in the Carabao Cup. The result was particularly damaging because United had already lost to Manchester City in the Premier League only a few days earlier.
Carrick’s position has not been officially declared under immediate threat, and there has been no confirmed announcement from Manchester United that the club is preparing to dismiss him. However, the dramatic collapse against Brighton has inevitably intensified the debate surrounding his future.
United looked to be cruising when Shea Lacey and Mason Mount scored inside the opening 10 minutes. Instead, Brighton fought their way back into the match, with Charalampos Kostoulas scoring before half-time before Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper completed the comeback in the second half.
The defeat marked the first time in 50 years that Manchester United had lost a home match after taking a two-goal lead. Carrick accepted responsibility for the collapse, admitting that United’s performance towards the end of the second half was unacceptable.
That admission has done little to calm the speculation.
The situation has led to increasing discussion about what Manchester United could do if results continue to deteriorate. One of the most extraordinary names being mentioned in hypothetical discussions is Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola’s name would obviously represent one of the biggest managerial possibilities in world football. The Spaniard has already established himself as one of the most successful managers of the modern era, and his departure from Manchester City has created the possibility of him eventually taking on a new challenge.
Guardiola is no longer Manchester City’s manager, with Enzo Maresca having taken over at the Etihad. Reuters reported before the Manchester derby that Maresca had begun his City tenure with a perfect start, while Guardiola’s departure marked the end of a hugely successful period at the club.
That has naturally encouraged speculation about where Guardiola could go next.
For Manchester United supporters, the idea of Guardiola moving across Manchester would be one of the most dramatic managerial developments imaginable.
Guardiola spent years building Manchester City into one of Europe’s dominant teams. His tactical philosophy, possession-based football and record of winning major trophies have made him one of the most sought-after managers in football.
The possibility of him taking charge at Old Trafford, however, remains speculative.
There is currently no confirmed evidence that Manchester United have approached Guardiola or that the former City manager has agreed to take over from Carrick. The claim should therefore be treated as transfer-style speculation rather than an established development.
Nevertheless, the discussion has emerged at a fascinating moment for Manchester United.
Carrick’s appointment had initially been viewed as the continuation of a remarkable turnaround. After returning to the club as interim manager, he guided United to 12 Premier League victories from 17 matches and helped them finish third, securing Champions League football. His impressive spell subsequently earned him the permanent position.
The expectations were therefore considerably higher when the new season began.
Unfortunately for Carrick, United have struggled to reproduce the consistency they demonstrated during his interim spell. Before the Brighton defeat, United had already lost to Hull City, drawn with Everton and suffered a derby defeat against Manchester City. They did produce a convincing Champions League victory over Sabah, but the domestic results have continued to create questions.
Reuters previously highlighted the mixed beginning to Carrick’s campaign, noting United’s defeat to Hull, draw against Everton and subsequent derby against City.
The Brighton defeat has now made the situation considerably more uncomfortable.
United were two goals ahead and playing in front of their home supporters, yet they completely lost control of the contest. The fact that Brighton eventually scored three unanswered goals has placed renewed attention on United’s defensive organisation, game management and ability to respond when momentum changes.
Carrick will now need an immediate response.
If United return to winning ways, much of the current speculation could quickly disappear. Football managers are often judged by their most recent results, and a strong sequence of performances could give Carrick the opportunity to rebuild confidence.
But if the poor results continue, Manchester United’s hierarchy could eventually be forced to consider whether a change is necessary.
This is where Guardiola’s name makes the story particularly interesting.
A move for Guardiola would represent a completely different direction for Manchester United. Carrick’s project has been built around developing the squad and continuing the progress made during his interim period. Guardiola, by contrast, would arrive with an established tactical philosophy and an extraordinary record at the highest level.
His presence would also immediately create enormous expectations.
Guardiola has won major domestic titles in Spain, Germany and England, while his Manchester City tenure produced multiple Premier League titles and the club’s first Champions League trophy. His achievements are the reason his name continues to appear whenever major clubs are considering a new manager.
However, the biggest obstacle to any potential Manchester United move would be Guardiola himself.
There is no guarantee that he wants to return to club management immediately, and there is certainly no confirmed indication that he wants to take charge of United. His next career decision will ultimately depend on his own ambitions and circumstances.
That is why the current Guardiola-to-United story should be viewed as speculation rather than a done deal.
Interestingly, other reports have identified different names as potential alternatives if Carrick’s position eventually becomes untenable. Football365 recently discussed Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel among possible contenders, while another report claimed Manchester United had been monitoring Antonio Conte as a potential option.
There is therefore no established agreement or confirmed shortlist featuring Guardiola as Manchester United’s next manager.
What is clear is that Carrick’s margin for error has become smaller.
The manager cannot change what happened against Brighton, but he can control how his team responds. United have Premier League and Champions League fixtures ahead, providing Carrick with opportunities to demonstrate that the Brighton collapse was an isolated setback.
The next few matches could consequently become extremely important to the direction of the season.
Manchester United’s hierarchy reportedly wanted to give Carrick time before the Brighton defeat. Earlier reports indicated that the club remained willing to allow him an opportunity to improve the team’s consistency despite the disappointing start.
The Brighton defeat, however, has changed the atmosphere around the club.
Supporters were visibly frustrated at the final whistle, and Carrick’s admission that he accepted responsibility for the second-half collapse means the manager himself understands the seriousness of the situation.
United now need a reaction.
If that reaction does not arrive, speculation about potential replacements will inevitably grow.
And if Guardiola continues to be mentioned among those possibilities, it will add another extraordinary dimension to the story.
A Guardiola appointment at Manchester United would represent one of the most dramatic managerial moves in recent Premier League history, particularly given his long association with Manchester City. But for now, it remains a hypothetical scenario rather than a confirmed Manchester United plan.
Carrick still has the opportunity to change the narrative.
The manager who transformed United’s fortunes last season now has to demonstrate that he can overcome the difficult period at the beginning of this campaign. His previous achievements have bought him credibility, but football at Manchester United comes with enormous expectations.
The Brighton defeat has undoubtedly increased the pressure.
Whether it ultimately becomes the beginning of the end for Carrick or simply a painful setback in a long season will depend on what happens next.
For now, Guardiola’s name can be placed firmly in the realm of speculation.
But with Manchester United under growing pressure and the club’s supporters demanding a response, the debate about Carrick’s future is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.