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Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović has openly acknowledged that he has ambitions of one day taking charge at Manchester United.
The Tigers' impressive unbeaten run to open the season, which kicked off with a 2–0 win over United, has drawn widespread admiration for Jakirović at a time when things are far from smooth for Michael Carrick.
With just two wins from six outings across all competitions, the heat has been turned up on Carrick, especially following the painful manner of their recent capitulation against Brighton & Hove Albion. The Red Devils boss has called it "ridiculous" to have his job security questioned this early in the season, but that is unlikely to silence the rumour mill.
Jakirović's public declaration of interest in the United role is only going to fuel the fire further.
When asked about the possibility of returning to Dinamo Zagreb, the Croatian tactician told RTL: "Where am I looking? I'm looking towards Manchester United ... I'm aiming higher, towards the biggest clubs, because I believe you have to dream big."
Is Carrick's Position Really in Danger?
With only six matches played this season, suggesting Carrick is truly at risk of losing his job is, as he himself put it, "ridiculous." That said, it does not mean this period cannot mark the beginning of a drift toward greater instability.
The outstanding job Carrick did in the second half of last season—when the Red Devils surged into Champions League contention just months after being the subject of ridicule under former boss Ruben Amorim—will not be so easily forgotten.
United's hierarchy is understood to be firmly behind Carrick to right the ship—and understandably so—but the reality of modern football means those at the top of the Old Trafford decision-making chain will inevitably need to weigh up all possible scenarios, including one that does not feature the current manager.
Things would need to continue on this bleak downward spiral for United to consider pulling the plug on Carrick. Sunday's fixture against struggling Fulham should offer a solid opportunity to begin rebuilding momentum, but equally, a disappointing result will only pile on the pressure and make for a deeply uncomfortable international break for the manager.
Reports emerging from Italy have indicated that United could look to former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte, who has been without a club since departing Napoli over the summer. Former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, though neither option is likely to be receiving serious consideration at this stage.
United are seeking stability and will not abandon that approach after a mere six games. Erik ten Hag was given 14 matches into the 2024–25 season before being dismissed, and that call came following months of debate over his future. Carrick carries more goodwill and will be afforded time to turn the tide, though just how long owners INEOS are willing to wait remains an open question.