The journey to Italy has been given added intrigue following the publication of an interview with former Old Trafford manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman was the most recent boss to deliver silverware at the club, yet he has hit out over difficulties he experienced with the club's hierarchy during his tenure.

Here, Express Sport has the latest on Ten Hag's remarks, along with details of potential successors should Carrick fail to retain his position...

Hurzeler to United update

Former England captain Alan Shearer has identified Fabian Hurzeler as the leading candidate amongst three potential replacements should United dismiss Michael Carrick. While acknowledging the shift in circumstances would be substantial, the 56-year-old has endorsed the Premier League's youngest manager to thrive.

"If Carrick is relieved of his duties, Hurzeler would be a good replacement, but it's a very different model at Brighton," Shearer told Betfair. "I guess the manager you'd also look at is Eddie Howe.

However, there is no suggestion that United have held any talks with the Brighton boss or are considering removing Carrick from his position.

Ten Hag's transfer regrets

Former United boss Ten Hag revealed that he was blocked from acquiring several elite players during his tenure at Old Trafford. Among those mentioned are England duo Declan Rice and Harry Kane, both of whom departed for significant fees in 2023, as well as Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

"I don't know how the decision process went with John [Murtough], Richard [Arnold], the Glazers. They came to the conclusion. I don't have the insights in the financials."

Regarding Rice, who ultimately departed West Ham for Arsenal in a Premier League record £100m transfer, he stated: "The issue was that West Ham didn't want to let him go. I think we could have done more to test. We were on one page, they tried, but I don't know how the process went. The point is, at United you need outstanding players."