Michael Carrick’s dream job under threat as Manchester United look to Julian Nagelsmann
Manchester United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, is reportedly pushing to appoint Germany national team manager Julian Nagelsmann after the World Cup.
Image: Ronny Hartmann/AFP
Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as Michael Carrick’s main challenger for the permanent Manchester United manager’s job.
Carrick was appointed as interim manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim last month and has begun his temporary spell in charge so impressively that there have been calls for him to be handed the role on a full-time basis at the end of the season.
Under Carrick, United have won four from four and look unrecognisable from the side that struggled to find their identity under Amorim. It is not so much the results themselves, but the manner in which they have been achieved, that has stood out during his time in charge.
They've earned wins against fierce local rivals Manchester City, league leaders Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, while also overcoming Fulham – a side they failed to beat earlier in the season and one that would previously have punished any post–big-game drop-off.
It was the victories over City and Arsenal in particular that have excited supporters. Against City, United sat back, absorbed pressure and hit Pep Guardiola’s side on the counter, putting the ball in the net five times, even if only two of those goals ultimately counted.
Against Arsenal, they took the game to their opponents and did not crumble even after falling behind, something that has too often been the hallmark of the club in recent years. As a result, Carrick is now seen by many as the frontrunner to be appointed on a permanent basis.
According to reports, however, Germany head coach Nagelsmann has also emerged as a serious contender. United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, is reportedly pushing to appoint the German following the World Cup.
Having previously worked alongside Vivell at RB Leipzig, Nagelsmann is said to be keen on the move. One potential stumbling block, though, is the fact that the former Bayern Munich boss recently signed a new contract with the German FA that runs until 2028.
Nagelsmann’s past at Bayern could also count against him. In 2023, the BBC reported that the then 35-year-old had made several enemies within the dressing room, with players also raising concerns over his training methods and his tendency to constantly shout instructions from the touchline during matches.
Another concern is his preference for a three-man defence. At United, Amorim was frequently criticised for his insistence on using a similar system and his reluctance to change approach even when it was clearly not working. That said, Nagelsmann’s tactical flexibility has often been cited as one of his greatest strengths, with the German showing a willingness throughout his career to adapt his systems and personnel to suit both his players and the opposition.
Luis Enrique was also believed to be high on United’s shortlist, but the Spaniard is thought to prefer remaining with Paris Saint-Germain.
With Carrick continuing to strengthen his case on the pitch and Nagelsmann representing a longer-term, high-profile alternative off it, United now face a defining decision that could shape the club’s direction for years to come. Whether the hierarchy opts for continuity and a homegrown success story or looks abroad for a more established tactician, the coming months promise to be crucial as the search for stability at Old Trafford enters a decisive phase.
IOL Sport