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By WILL GRIFFEE Published: 05: 02 AEDT, 4 April 2026 | Updated: 05: 12 AEDT, 4 April 2026 5 View comments Jose Mourinho would be able to 'carry' Man United if he returned for a second spell in charge of the club, according to Nicky Butt. The former Man United midfielder spoke about the current managerial set-up at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick in the dugout on an interim basis. Carrick will be among the contenders considered for the post permanently when the assessment is made at the end of the season but Butt, somewhat controversially, suggested Mourinho could be a strong option. The veteran Portuguese boss, currently in charge of Benfica, left United in 2018 after two years at the helm following a poor run of seven wins in 17 games. 'I would have him back', Butt told Paddy Power. 'He’s a winner and can carry that football club, but the powers that be would never allow it, as they now prefer a manager who focuses solely on coaching rather than controlling recruitment. Jose Mourinho has been backed to 'carry' Man United by club legend Nicky Butt 'No established manager will want to come to Manchester United without guarantees on budget, time, and control. 'The structure right now makes it difficult, and they may prefer someone like Michael Carrick instead. ' United have a difficult decision to make when the season concludes, particularly given Carrick's strong showing so far. He has led United to third place in the table and only a calamitous end to the campaign would see them miss out on Champions League football. It is shaping up to be a crucial summer for United and Butt earmarked one former academy talent - James Garner - to re-join the ranks, having thrived at Everton. 'He’s been phenomenal this season. He’s got everything - he can pass, defend, tackle, and run, ' the 51-year-old said. 'He’s definitely earned his place and should be on the plane for the World Cup. 'I don’t see why he couldn't be back at United. He's performing well, he's playing for a big club with a big expectation with their crowd. ' United are next in action on Monday, April 13, against Leeds. They also face fellow Champions League-chasing Chelsea and old rivals Liverpool in what is shaping up to be a fascinating run-in.
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