Manchester United have reportedly identified Julian Nagelsmann as their leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick as pressure mounts on the manager at Old Trafford.
According to The Telegraph, the former Bayern Munich boss is open to a move to the Premier League. United are considering their options after a poor run of results left Carrick fighting to save his job.
The club suffered another major setback on Wednesday, losing 4-1 to Champions League debutants Como in Italy. The defeat extended United’s winless run to seven matches across all competitions.
Carrick’s side have managed only two wins in 11 games this season. They have beaten newly promoted Ipswich Town and Azerbaijani side Sabah, raising further questions about their performances and progress.
The heavy loss at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium has prompted the United board to review the managerial situation. Nagelsmann has emerged as the leading option if the club decides to make a change.
The 39 year old is currently without a club after leaving his role as Germany head coach in July following a disappointing World Cup campaign. He also has a connection to United through recruitment director Christopher Vivell, with whom he previously worked at RB Leipzig.
Nagelsmann leads United’s list of candidates
Problems at Old Trafford extend beyond results on the pitch. Captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned United’s tactical approach after Carrick substituted him during the defeat by Como.
The report also states that the club’s analysts have raised concerns about the team’s pressing and intensity under Carrick and assistant manager Steve Holland. Those concerns have added to doubts about the coaching staff’s methods.
Meanwhile, tensions have also emerged between senior figures behind the scenes. Just a week before the Como defeat, defender Lisandro Martinez reportedly clashed with director of football Jason Wilcox following United’s European loss away to Atletico Madrid.
These incidents have increased scrutiny of the club’s leadership, coaching staff and players as United struggle to regain consistency.
However, Nagelsmann is not the only name linked with the vacancy. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has admirers at Old Trafford, although United would likely need to pay substantial compensation to prise him away from the Seagulls.
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is another potential option. Antonio Conte’s representatives have also reportedly made contact with United, but the Italian is not considered an ideal match for the sporting structure Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to establish.
Despite the growing pressure, Carrick insists he remains committed to improving United’s fortunes. After the defeat in Italy, he addressed travelling supporters in the rain outside the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium and apologised for the team’s performance.
The scene recalled Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final days as United manager in 2021. Nevertheless, Carrick stressed that his responsibility lies with the club and its supporters, rather than his own position.
“It’s not about playing for me, it’s about playing for this football club,” Carrick insisted. “It’s the responsibility that comes with being in the position; I’m responsible for the football club and the supporters. I’m giving my best, absolute best all the time, I care about it. My whole life’s wrapped around it. I genuinely give everything that I possibly can.”
United now face Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday in a Premier League match that could prove crucial to Carrick’s future. The result will come amid growing frustration among supporters, although much of their anger currently centres on the club’s ownership and the players’ performances.
With Nagelsmann reportedly at the top of United’s shortlist, Carrick faces an increasingly important test as the club weighs its next move.
