Manchester United have handed Michael Carrick the manager's job until the end of the season. But replacing Ruben Amorim? That was actually the easy part.
Now the real work begins. CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox need to find a permanent manager, sort out summer signings, and deal with ownership questions. Oh, and they need Carrick to somehow save the season.
Let's break down what's coming next for United and why the next few months could define the club's future.
Can Carrick Turn Things Around?
Here's the scary part: Carrick's first two games are against Manchester City and Arsenal. Talk about being thrown into the deep end.
Best case scenario? Carrick gets the team winning again and pushes them into the top four. If that happens, fans will demand he gets the job permanently. And honestly, it might not be a bad idea.
Worst case? United keep sliding down the table and miss out on European football entirely. That would be a financial disaster and make it even harder to attract top players in the summer.
Right now, United sit seventh, just one point off fifth place. Champions League qualification is still possible, which matters hugely for betting odds and the club's transfer budget. But with just one win in their last seven games before Carrick arrived, confidence is rock bottom.
What About Rashford and Mainoo?
Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona, and it looks like that's permanent. The club has had enough of his on-and-off performances, and Barcelona have a €30 million option to buy him this summer.
Even if United appoint Thomas Tuchel (who's a big Rashford fan), there's no way back for the forward. Too many bridges burned, too many second chances given.
Kobbie Mainoo is a different story. He's only 20 and should get more chances under Carrick, who prefers a three-man midfield. But his contract expires in 2027, and unless he impresses soon, United won't offer him a big new deal.
The summer transfer window looks crucial. United want two dynamic young midfielders, with Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton both high on the list. They also need reliable full backs who can actually defend.
The problem? Both Anderson and Wharton will likely play at the World Cup for England, meaning their prices will skyrocket and competition for their signatures will be fierce. United need to get these signings right after spending poorly in recent windows.
Who becomes the permanent manager is the biggest question. Thomas Tuchel ticks almost every box: Champions League winner, Premier League experience with Chelsea, and he'll be available after the World Cup.
But Tuchel is demanding and difficult to work with. United want a more cooperative head coach who'll work alongside Wilcox and Berrada. Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna, and Oliver Glasner are all being considered as alternatives.
Jason Wilcox's job might depend on getting this appointment right. Fans are already questioning whether he's the right person for such a massive role after the Amorim disaster.
And what about the Glazers? They could sell if someone offers $33 per share, but with shares currently trading at $16.60, that seems unlikely. Still, they've shown they care more about profit than football, so never say never.
