Didier Deschamps has turned down the opportunity to become the new manager of Manchester United. The former France boss, available since leaving his role after the World Cup, has dismissed an option that was immediately on the table.

The 58-year-old coach informed United's hierarchy of his lack of interest in the job. "I don't want the gig," he said. His decision deprives the club of a candidate who would have required no compensation fee and could have started work straight away.

Manchester United, currently 17th in the Premier League with just one win from their first nine games, must therefore continue their search. Michael Carrick remains in charge, his position bolstered by a Champions League comeback win against Roma (3-2). He leads his side this weekend against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, a key match before the international break.

The list of candidates

With Deschamps out of the picture, other names are in the frame. Eddie Howe, Fabian Hurzeler and Antonio Conte, all currently unattached, are on the shortlist. Unai Emery, also linked, is close to signing a new contract with Aston Villa, which would take him off the market. Julian Nagelsmann, another free agent, is also under consideration.

The internal situation at United remains tense. Bruno Fernandes publicly criticised Carrick's tactics after a 4-1 defeat at Como, which led to him being benched for the next game against Bournemouth. Defender Lisandro Martinez has also spoken out, this time about the club's transfer activity.

Carrick himself is focused on the next fixture. "I don't have a crystal ball to know what's going to happen next," he said. "We're looking forward to the weekend. We have a very important match here against Aston Villa that we need to prepare properly."

While Manchester United handles this difficult period, the France national team continues its positive run. Les Bleus are unbeaten in their last four matches, with three wins and a draw. Their most recent result was a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Belgium on October 5th. They will face Italy again, having drawn 1-1 with them earlier in October, on November 12th in the Nations League.

The next trip to Italy will conclude a successful 2026 for the national side, now looking ahead under new management.

Background and full detail: Daily Mail Sport