Michael Carrick among six Premier League Manager of the Season nominees in 2026

Manchester United's caretaker boss Michael Carrick is one of six managers shortlisted for the Premier League's Manager of the Season award in 2026.

Manager shortlist revealed Manchester United's temporary head coach Michael Carrick has been included in a six-manager shortlist for the Premier League Manager of the Season prize. Carrick has managed 15 games since taking charge in January, winning 10 of them. The list also features Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, who are in a race to claim the league title this season. Bournemouth's departing coach Andoni Iraola, Brentford's Keith Andrews, and Sunderland's Regis le Bris complete the nominees. ## Player of the Season candidates Eight players are competing for the Premier League Player of the Season award. Arsenal trio David Raya, Gabriel, and Declan Rice are among the hopefuls, along with Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo and Erling Haaland. Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes, Brentford forward Igor Thiago, and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White are also on the shortlist. The final winners will be chosen through a mix of public voting and expert evaluations. ## Carrick's permanent role on the way Manchester United executives are set to formally propose Carrick as the permanent manager after his strong caretaker spell. During his time in charge, Carrick has secured a Champions League return by lifting United from seventh to third in the standings. Since his appointment on January 13, no Premier League side has collected more points (33) than United under his leadership. The former United midfielder, who turned 44, has won 66.7% of his matches so far. ## Title race contenders face off Arteta is two wins away from ending Arsenal's 22-year Premier League title drought since 2004, but Guardiola stands in his path. Guardiola could claim his sixth Manager of the Season award if Manchester City triumph. Meanwhile, Iraola has steered Bournemouth to the edge of European qualification for the first time in their history. Andrews is also on course to achieve the same feat with Brentford in his debut season as a manager. ## Sunderland's upward trend under Le Bris Regis le Bris has guided Sunderland to a comfortable position in the top half of the table throughout their first season back in England's top flight. The club has remained clear of relegation concerns under his leadership. The French coach has overseen a notable turnaround since taking charge.