This summer could be one of the most important in Manchester United’s history. The board are tasked with deciding on their next permanent head coach after sacking Ruben Amorim in early January.
INEOS turned to Michael Carrick, and that proved to be an astute appointment. He has made a superb start to his second spell as caretaker manager.
Carrick remains unbeaten, overseeing four wins in five games ahead of tonight’s meeting with Everton. There is a growing feeling that if Champions League qualification is achieved, he will be kept on.
Several top managerial names have been ruled out of the race to permanently replace Amorim. Thomas Tuchel extended his contract with England, while Carlo Ancelotti has also put pen to paper on an extension with Brazil.
Zinedine Zidane is set to take over France after the World Cup this summer. It leaves United short of high-profile candidates for the job.
Nagelsmann next for Man United?
If Christopher Vivell had his way, he would be keen on a reunion with Julian Nagelsmann. The Red Devils’ Director of Recruitment worked with Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig, transforming the German outfit into one of the Bundesliga’s top teams.
Football Insider reports that Nagelsmann is a “top target” for United. Vivell is “pushing” the club to appoint the German coach who has proven experience in elite European football.
Nagelsmann will be managing Germany at this summer’s World Cup, but Vivell believes he could be available after the tournament. The pair enjoy a “strong relationship” which could help aid a potential appointment.
The 38-year-old is young but highly respected in the game for his achievements at Leipzig and Bayern Munich. He led the Bavarians to the Bundesliga title in 2022, and many were surprised by his sacking in March 2023.
Carrick or Nagelsmann
Given the lack of world-class managers available this summer, it should now be a two-horse race between Carrick and Nagelsmann. Both are young and exciting options for United, who need someone at the helm in the long term.
Carrick has the advantage of undergoing a trial after returning to the Theatre of Dreams on a caretaker basis. The English coach has put himself in contention not just on results but also on his brand of football.
The United DNA is back, and relying on someone who knows the club from top to bottom could be key to a successful future. He doesn’t seem phased by the magnitude of the job or working within INEOS’ structure.
If Carrick is the long-term solution, it’s vital that the Reds put their faith in his philosophy even if the going gets tough. Keeping Steve Holland in his backroom staff is a must.
The only reason INEOS should consider parting ways is if Champions League qualification isn’t secured. That should be the main factor when deciding on his future and whether to look elsewhere for a permanent coach.
Nagelsmann must be the top target if that is the case. His connection with Vivell could be a massive benefit, especially in the transfer market, as the club can lean on the pair’s strong rapport.
That was glaringly missing during Amorim’s reign as the Portuguese coach didn’t want to report to sporting director Jason Wilcox. INEOS now needs to cross out other suggestions, such as Oliver Glasner and Roberto De Zerbi, so they can conduct extensive checks on Carrick and Nagelsmann.
