Manchester United contacted former France national team coach Didier Deschamps in recent days to gauge his interest in taking over at Old Trafford, Foot Mercato reported on November 5, 2026. The Premier League club has weighed potential managerial changes as pressure mounts around current manager Michael Carrick, whose position is described as hanging by a thread despite a recent win against AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League.
While that result provided a temporary reprieve, club executives have actively explored alternatives. According to Media365, the inquiry directed toward Deschamps does not indicate an advanced agreement or that the 58-year-old Frenchman has been locked in as the definitive choice. Deschamps is currently listening to offers, though he is not in a hurry, even as initial interesting opportunities begin to emerge. Regarding the prospect of joining the Red Devils, the former coach does not reportedly feel any particular enthusiasm, viewing the role as a highly complicated mission.
Evaluating the Manchester United Approach and Alternative Targets
Deschamps stepped down from his post leading Les Bleus last summer after a 14-year tenure that included winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a 2021 UEFA Nations League title, and a 2022 World Cup final appearance. His potential appointment at Old Trafford faces several hurdles, as the French technician is reportedly unenthusiastic about stepping into a volatile environment characterized by supporter discontent with club leadership and inconsistent transfer market strategies. In June, before his final World Cup, he stated, I do not rule anything out
regarding his future. Manchester United executives have pursued other prominent tacticians including Julian Nagelsmann and Unai Emery, though Emery has appeared positioned to extend his stay at Aston Villa.
Old Trafford officials have encountered roadblocks with other candidates. Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte, and Eddie Howe were reportedly not favored by internal stakeholders, while Fabian Hurzeler was dismissed from consideration due to an exorbitant release clause. Similar financial and contractual barriers have complicated efforts to pry Emery away from Aston Villa.
Italian Outlets Link Deschamps to Juventus Managerial Post
Beyond the English top flight, Deschamps’ name has frequently surfaced in connection with other high-profile vacancies. Italian outlets have linked the former Juventus and Marseille coach with the Juventus managerial post, where pressure has surrounded current boss Luciano Spalletti. However, competition for the Turin bench is fierce; according to journalist Rudy Galetti, Juventus has also initiated contact with German strategist Julian Nagelsmann, alongside other candidates like Antonio Conte and Stefano Pioli. A return to the Old Lady
would represent a reunion for the man who spent nearly 14 years leading France, having previously managed the Turin club from July 2006 to May 2007. He also played for the Bianconeri from 1994 to 1999, winning three Scudetti and the 1996 Champions League.
Deschamps brings extensive club-level experience, having guided Monaco between July 2001 and September 2005 to the UEFA Champions League final, secured a Ligue 1 title with Marseille, and successfully steered Juventus back to Serie A during the 2006–07 season following their relegation. He also holds brief familiarity with English football from a playing stint at Chelsea during the 1999–2000 season.
Fenerbahçe’s Coaching Carousel
Elsewhere, the managerial market saw activity in Turkey, where Didier Deschamps’ name had been mentioned following the departure of Vincenzo Montella. However, Fenerbahçe opted for Emre Belözoğlu, who succeeded interim coach Dirk Kuyt. Kuyt had been appointed on October 28 following the resignation of Ismail Kartal, which was triggered by a 1-2 derby defeat to Galatasaray. Belözoğlu, 46, becomes the fifth manager to lead the club in 2026 alone.
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