Credit: Imago and Sky Sports Premier League on YouTube

Daniel Davis

Thu 19 March 2026 6:00, UK

Tim Sherwood has sensationally predicted that Michael Carrick could manage Tottenham Hotspur next season, even if they’re relegated from the Premier League.

Spurs are fighting for their top-flight status at the business end of a dismal campaign, but the 1-1 draw at Liverpool last time out proved they’re not dead and buried just yet.

Igor Tudor will be desperate to use the improved performance as a springboard for the remaining eight matches, but they are still in real danger of dropping into the Championship.

Tudor is under severe pressure, having lost his opening four matches after replacing Thomas Frank, but he remains in charge while the search for a long-term successor goes on.

Outlandishly, Sherwood believes Carrick could become Tottenham’s next manager.

Could Michael Carrick manage Tottenham?

Carrick has done an impressive job since being appointed as Manchester United’s head coach until the end of the season, after Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January.

Since returning to the Old Trafford hot seat, the 44-year-old has guided United to seven wins from nine games, suffering just one defeat during that time.

The silky former midfielder spent two years at Tottenham as a player between 2004 and 2006, and Sherwood has tipped him to take up the reins there in the summer.

Speaking via a bookmaker, he said: “I could see Michael Carrick managing Spurs in the Championship. I could see Scott Parker or Carrick, if he doesn’t leave Manchester United, managing Spurs next season.

“If Carrick doesn’t stay there, I’m sure there will be a lot of clubs who want to take him. He’s level-headed, knows the game, and is very sensible.

“He has common sense, using players in the correct positions.”

Sherwood then added: “He’s got the players to work with there. I’m sure he’s done the Championship previously as well. He’s cut his teeth there at Middlesbrough.

“He knows the environment. Michael’s a very good manager, and if Manchester United don’t take him, I’m sure he’d be a great fit for them [Tottenham] next season.”

Carrick would likely be in contention if United decide against handing him a long-term deal, but, if only for now, the likelihood of him coaching Spurs looks next to zero.

Who are current favourites for Spurs job?

Ange Postecoglou’s odds of becoming Tottenham’s manager have been slashed, but it is Mauricio Pochettino who still leads the way despite being tied down with the USMNT.

Indeed, Pochettino has been priced at as low as 2/1 by bookmakers, while former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Robbie Keane are also among the contenders.

Postecoglou’s odds now stand at 17/2, significantly lower than a few weeks ago, and they could continue to tumble as speculation builds over Tudor’s future.

The Australian, who won the Europa League in N17 before being sacked, is the fourth-favourite for the role, and, crucially, is available to work with immediate effect.