Despite being offered the chance to carry on as Manchester United head coach until at least tomorrow, when the side face Chelsea, the writing appears to be on the wall for Michael Carrick. But how will the side look next season if one of the managers currently linked with the role, Cesc Fàbregas, takes over?

United have endured a truly horrific start to the 2026/27 campaign, with Carrick guiding the side to just one win in the Premier League. The Red Devils sit 16th ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge on 31 October.

If results don’t turn around quickly, it’s inevitable that Carrick will receive his P45 sooner rather than later, with several managers linked with the role.

Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe appears to be sporting director Jason Wilcox’s first choice, while head of recruitment Christopher Vivell favours Julian Nagelsmann, the former head coach of RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Germany.

Out-of-work Antonio Conte continues to be linked with United, while Como boss Fàbregas has quietly entered the conversation in recent days, according to some reports.

The appointment of Fàbregas would prove a big statement for United after his Como side dismantled Carrick’s team, beating them 4-1 in the Champions League earlier this month.

Fàbregas worked alongside Osian Roberts during the 2023/24 campaign, which saw Como promoted to Serie A for the first time in over two decades. He took over as head coach in 2024/25, guiding the club to Champions League qualification.

Man Utd predicted XI under Cesc Fàbregas

SPORTbible has looked at United’s potential starting XI at the start of the 2027/28 campaign.

Fàbregas usually sets Como up in a 4-2-3-1, with the team’s shape changing during matches.

Given that both Lisandro Martínez and Bruno Fernandes have been involved in public disagreements with members of the club’s hierarchy and with Carrick, it’s fair to assume both could move on ahead of next season. Both are due to be out of contract at the end of the season, although United can extend the Argentinian’s deal by one year.

Como and Argentina star Nico Paz could replace Fernandes, with the 22-year-old having impressed with 24 goals and 23 assists since his move from Real Madrid in 2024.

Real Madrid hold a €9million (£7.5million) buy-back clause for Paz. Other reports claim a new agreement has been struck, allowing Madrid to sign him for €80million (£66.9million) before the clause expires in the summer of 2027.

Paz’s Como teammate, centre-back Jacobo Ramón, is also linked with moves to United, Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as a return to Real Madrid. Los Blancos hold a buy-back clause worth £7.7million, meaning they can re-sign the 21-year-old for that amount next summer.

Fàbregas’ potential arrival at United could persuade the young Spaniard to choose United over the other suitors. With Harry Maguire’s contract due to expire, Ramón could be the perfect replacement at right centre-back.

At left centre-back, Martínez has been the subject of interest from Barcelona, with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite a potential replacement. United saw two bids rejected by Everton for the England international in 2024.

Left-back Luke Shaw is also out of contract at the end of the season, with United having a long-standing interest in Newcastle’s Lewis Hall.

United could revive their interest in the 22-year-old, who would likely fit into Fàbregas’ possession-based, high-pressing style.

United signed three central midfielders last summer, with Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba arriving, making it unlikely that they will spend a huge fee on another midfielder, especially if they pursue the signing of Paz in the No. 10 role.

However, MARCA reports that United have enquired about Atlético Madrid central midfielder Pablo Barrios, while Barcelona’s Fermín López is also attracting interest from United. The Spaniard could prove a smart signing, with his versatility and ability to play across midfield and on either wing likely to appeal to Fàbregas.

Fàbregas would likely relish working with academy product Kobbie Mainoo after his progress seemingly stalled in recent times.

Moving into the attack, it’s fair to suggest that Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will remain United players beyond this summer, with Benjamin Šeško likely to stay and become Fàbregas’ first-choice striker despite his recent injury struggles.

Amad Diallo will also probably stay, while Mason Mount may look to move on if his fortunes don’t improve this season. Marcus Rashford’s future is also uncertain.

Man Utd's 2027/28 predicted line-up under Cesc Fabregas (Credit:Lineupbuilder)