Nagelsmann gives Man Utd green light as Carrick replacement identified

Manchester United are set to consider Julian Nagelsmann if they decide to sack Michael Carrick - and the German is open to talks. United chiefs are sifting through the wreckage of Wednesday's woeful 4-1 defeat away to Como in the Champions League which thrust Carrick's future back into the spotlight.

The hammering extended the Red Devils' winless run to seven games, having only claimed victory in two of their 11 matches this season - against newly prompted Ipswich and European minnows Sabah. Carrick apologised to United's travelling supporters at the rainy Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium in scenes reminiscent of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's final act before he was sacked in 2021.

While it's been decided that Carrick will stay in charge for Sunday's game against Bournemouth, the Telegraph report that United will consider appointing Nagelsmann if things don't improve. It's added that the ex-Bayern Munich boss would listen to an approach.

The 39-year-old has been out of work since being resigning as manager of Germany in July. Nagelsmann - who made his name managing Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in his late 20s - has links with Christopher Vivell, United's director of global talent, having worked together at RB Leipzig.

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When Vivell was technical director at Chelsea, they looked at hiring Naglesmann. The report adds that Nagelsmann held concerns regarding Chelsea's structure and recruitment in 2023, so he'd likely demand assurances from the United board over those issues.

Another manager on United's shortlist is Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, whose side are flying high in the Premier League. Like Nagelsmann, Hurzeler began his managerial career at a young age and he's been tracked for some time by the Old Trafford hierarchy as a future option.

Antonio Conte has also been offered to the Red Devils, although the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager won't be considered. Nor will Eddie Howe, who's also a free agent after he left Newcastle.

As for Carrick, he was handed a two-year deal by United following an outstanding spell as their interim manager last season. But things have already unravelled, with captain Bruno Fernandes calling out his tactics in a post-match interview.

"It's not about playing for me, it's about playing for this football club," Carrick said after the loss. "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."