Why Cesc Fabregas Could Be the Coach Manchester United Needs Now

The buzz around Cesc Fabregas is growing, especially after his impressive work at Como. It wouldn’t be shocking if Manchester United are eyeing him as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick, who is currently under pressure. Fabregas has transformed Como in less than three years, taking them from Serie B to the Champions League. That achievement alone makes it clear why United might consider him seriously.

From Player to Coach

Manchester United once wanted Fabregas as a player during his Barcelona days, so the idea of hiring him as a coach isn’t far-fetched. His intelligence on the pitch seems to have translated into his coaching methods, as he’s shown even greater sharpness while managing Como.

His final season as a player at Monaco was tough, with injuries limiting him to just 36 minutes throughout the 2021-22 Ligue 1 season. Despite that, Fabregas didn't feel done; he wanted a fresh start and a clear path into coaching. Several offers came his way, but the most intriguing was from Como.

Como’s Unexpected Rise

Fabregas had visited Lake Como before but wasn’t aware the city had a football team. Few were. The club’s current president, Mirwan Suwarso, discovered Como almost by accident while scouting locations in Milan. This led to the Djarum Group purchasing the club in 2019.

Without the financial support from Djarum and efforts from former Chelsea star Dennis Wise, Como wouldn’t be where they are now. Still, Fabregas’ role has been central. When he joined in 2022 as both player and shareholder, Como had just secured promotion to Serie B. Since then, he’s been involved in nearly every aspect of their climb.

“I was practically given the keys to the football side of things,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia after Como’s qualification for the Champions League in the 2025-26 Serie A season. “There was practically nothing when we started. Four years ago, physios were giving massages on tables in a bar. Now, we’re in the Champions League!”

Building From Within

Unlike other teams that buy big-name stars, Como’s strategy under Fabregas focuses on discovering hidden talent. Take Nico Paz, for example. Signed from Real Madrid in 2024, he was mostly a reserve player. Paz credits Fabregas with giving him freedom and belief, helping him grow both as a player and person.

Character matters a lot to Fabregas when signing players. Lucas Da Cunha, Como’s captain and a key figure in France’s national squad, embodies this. Fabregas prefers players with hunger over those who have already made their mark.

“I prefer a player with supposedly less talent but more hunger, who wants an incredible career, rather than someone who’s already earned his money,” Fabregas said at the Festival dello Sport. “Da Cunha has an incredible mentality and deserves all the credit.”

Mirwan Suwarso describes Fabregas as Como’s “CEO of football,” crucial in implementing the club’s vision. The club operates with a broad decision-making board including Fabregas, his staff, ownership, and financial officers, ensuring a collective approach rooted in shared values.

Winning While Creating an Identity

Suwarso assured Fabregas he wasn’t pressured only to win but to build a recognizable identity and brand for Como. The club’s beautiful location has long attracted celebrities, but now they come to watch football too. James Righton, husband of actress Keira Knightley, attended a match after hearing about Fabregas’ exciting project.

Fabregas has worked tirelessly to develop Como’s style. Although sometimes viewed as obsessed with possession, he adapts his approach depending on the opposition. After a heavy loss to Inter Milan, Fabregas said:

“I thought about changing tactics, but my head said no. I’m pleased because growth happens after defeats. You learn more from losing than from winning and being called a genius.”

Fabregas insists on flexibility. He and his team built a detailed database to analyze tactical structures, aiming to dominate through multiple solutions rather than one fixed style.

“I don’t want to be the coach who always uses the same attack or defense,” he explained. “You need principles but also many ways to be dominant.”

Having played under diverse coaches like Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, and Antonio Conte, Fabregas appreciates different football philosophies. Upon joining Como, the owners asked for front-footed play, not just victories.

“They said: Win, but create an identity,” Fabregas wrote in The Coaches Voice. “That’s what I’ve achieved.”

Future Prospects

Given his success, it feels like only a matter of time before a top European club signs Fabregas. Reports suggest his contract has a release clause specifically for former clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona. Yet, Manchester United appears the most likely to seek a new manager soon, making Fabregas a prime candidate.

Unlike Michael Carrick, Fabregas is rapidly proving to be a coach whose abilities surpass even his distinguished playing career. United fans might want to keep a close eye on this rising managerial talent.