Here’s how Man Utd might line up with Didier Deschamps as the new coach, as a World Cup star joins and a key player is left out.
Didier Deschamps is now being talked about as a possible new manager for Manchester United if Michael Carrick gets sacked. Here’s a look at how the team might play under the French coach.
Even though United’s 3-2 comeback win over Roma in the Champions League has eased some of the pressure on Carrick, his job at Old Trafford is still unsure. Deschamps is one of several names being considered as a replacement.
On November 5, Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna said that United have made inquiries about the 58-year-old’s availability. Carrick’s future is still unclear, and Deschamps is happy to wait until the next transfer window to take on a new role, which could open the door for him to join the 13-time Premier League champions.
After an amazing 14 years managing France, Deschamps stepped down following their World Cup semi-final loss to Spain in July. He’s been taking time to relax with family and friends while thinking about his next move.
Deschamps has said he’s “not ruling anything out” for the future. If he does join Man United, he would likely shake up the squad and bring in some changes.
He would probably use a practical 4-2-3-1 formation focused on strong defense and quick counter-attacks, rather than keeping the ball most of the time. This style is somewhat like what Carrick has been using, but Deschamps would give his players different roles and try to bring in some new signings in January.
United want to get a center-back, left-back, and striker in the winter window. Deschamps would make his own list of targets, but some players linked to the club before might come back into focus.
One defender often mentioned is Bournemouth’s left-back Adrien Truffert. Deschamps gave him his debut for France in 2022, and Truffert might be excited about reuniting with the coach, especially since United don’t have a natural left-back right now because Luke Shaw is injured.
At centre-back, Deschamps could bring in Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig, another player who’s played for France under him. Lukeba is a strong, fast, left-footed defender who fits perfectly as a replacement for Lisandro Martinez or Harry Maguire, both of whom might leave next summer.
Deschamps might also build a stronger French core in midfield. United signed three midfielders this summer but missed out on Manu Kone, who impressed under Deschamps at the World Cup. He could try to sign Kone from Roma to add power and energy to the team.
As for striker, Club Brugge’s Nicolo Tresoldi fits the style Deschamps likes: great movement, sharp finishing, and lots of potential. Tresoldi has scored 37 goals in 74 games and already attracts attention from big clubs like Arsenal. He could be the perfect option to cover for Benjamin Sesko’s injury.
With these four new signings, Deschamps would create a fresh lineup at Old Trafford.
Senne Lammens would probably keep his spot in goal after strong performances since joining from Royal Antwerp last September.
In defense, Diogo Dalot would play right-back, with Lukeba and Maguire as centre-backs, and Truffert at left-back. This means young Leny Yoro might miss out, which wouldn’t be too surprising since Deschamps has been cautious about including him for France.
In midfield, Kone and Carlos Baleba would provide tough defense and help control the game. This solid protection would let Bruno Fernandes shine in his favorite number 10 role, supported by Matheus Cunha on the left and Bryan Mbeumo on the right, with Tresoldi leading the attack.
All in all, Deschamps could bring a new, more structured approach to Manchester United with some exciting new signings and changes on the field.