Man Utd's Managerial Mayhem: Did INEOS Dodge a Bullet with Motta, or Just Reload the Gun?

Picture this: you're at the pub, pint in hand, and your mate starts moaning about Manchester United's latest circus. INEOS, the shiny new overlords at Old Trafford, have a knack for managerial mishaps that'd make even the most optimistic Red Devil spit out their ale. First Erik ten Hag, then Ruben Amorim – both permanent picks that went belly-up faster than a Sunday league defender chasing a through ball.

They stuck with Ten Hag after his FA Cup miracle papered over a 23/24 Premier League dumpster fire, even splashing cash in summer. Months later? Sacked. Then Amorim rolls in, and poof – another false dawn. Fans are tearing their hair out, but here's the kicker: they nearly went all-in on someone else entirely.

The Thiago Motta That Got Away

Enter Thiago Motta, the Italian midfield maestro turned tactical wizard. Fresh from dragging Bologna into the Champions League for the first time since dinosaurs roamed, his bonkers 2-7-2 system had INEOS drooling. As Andy Mitten spilled on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Motta was pitched as the "next big thing" before Amorim sneaked in as the wildcard.

"No-one knew this was going on," Mitten dished. United took him deadly seriously – big names, press conference charisma, the lot. But they plumped for Amorim, while Juventus snapped up Motta. Spoiler: both clubs hit the eject button quicker than you can say "sack race." Now Michael Carrick's minding the shop as caretaker till season's end.

Motta's Bologna adventure was pure box-office: ultra-attacking footie that screamed ambition. United fans might be whispering "what if?" over their post-match pies, especially with Carrick's interim glow-up hitting a snag after that Newcastle nightmare.

Carrick's Charm Offensive vs Elite Raid

Fair play to Carrick – he's turned United into contenders, with six wins, one draw, and one loss under his belt. Suddenly, Champions League spots are in sight, and whispers of a third-place finish aren't daft. The lad's deal expires end of season, and he's no mug; he'd love the full gig.

But hold your horses. Steven Railston at the Manchester Evening News is banging the drum for ruthlessness. Don't repeat the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer interim trap from 2019. Instead, chase the elites: Luis Enrique at PSG (double Champions League winner, trophy hoover) and Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Railston's take? Hire Carrick permanently only if he bags top-four and the big guns say no. Enrique's a long shot – PSG won't let go easy – but Nagelsmann? Insider Graeme Bailey dropped on March 4 that the 38-year-old's eyeing Old Trafford. Ben Jacobs backs it, naming him alongside Roberto De Zerbi and Roberto Martinez as current focus.

Nagelsmann's German FA pact runs to 2028, but intermediaries are buzzing. Release clause? Not till '27, so negotiations ahead. De Zerbi, ex-Brighton, is keen and complication-free. Carrick's odds dimmed post-Newcastle, with three fresh targets emerging.

Third Time's the Charm? INEOS, Don't Bottle It

United's teetering – INEOS hold the fate cards. Get this right, and it's glory; cock it up, and we're back to square one. Motta's miss stings less now both he and Amorim flopped, but chasing Nagelsmann or De Zerbi could be the masterstroke.

Pub verdict? Ditch sentiment, grab an elite head. Carrick's smashed it, but United need proven winners, not another punt. With Europe beckoning, INEOS can't afford another howler. Over to you, Sir Jim – make it count, or the Carrick carriage turns back into a pumpkin.

(Word count: 612)