Manchester United's head of scouting, Christopher Vivell, is reportedly a target for Bayern Munich, a development that could boost Eddie Howe's chances of becoming the club's next manager. Michael Carrick's future as United boss has been the subject of speculation for weeks, with Howe among the candidates mentioned as a potential replacement.
Vivell's Potential Departure
Nils Schmadtke is expected to leave Bayern at the end of January after both parties agreed to end his contract, which could open the door for Vivell to link up with Bayern chief Max Eberl. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund previously worked with Vivell during their spell at Salzburg, and the United chief is reportedly being considered to replace Schmadtke, according to BILD via Sport Witness.
Vivell is reported to have championed Julian Nagelsmann's qualities and pushed for him to be the top target, while director of football Jason Wilcox is said to favour Howe for the position. Should Vivell depart, it would likely influence how Nagelsmann views the prospect of taking the job, given that the United chief remains his most vocal supporter at the club.
Carrick Under Pressure
Carrick finds himself under mounting pressure at United, with the club sitting outside the Premier League relegation zone only on goal difference. Their Champions League form has also taken a hit following defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como, with AS Roma threatening to heap further disappointment on the United boss when the two sides meet on Tuesday.
The man currently occupying the hot seat at Old Trafford was linked with a departure following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last Sunday. However, he kept his position for Saturday's trip to Stamford Bridge, which ultimately ended in a 2-0 defeat.
Nagelsmann's Prospects
Sky Germany has reported that 39-year-old Nagelsmann features on the shortlist to succeed Carrick and could be heading to the Premier League, after links to Turkish and Italian clubs were dismissed. German football expert Marcel Reif predicted that Nagelsmann is eager to take on the role.
Speaking to BILD via Sport Witness, he said: "If he doesn't have the nerve to do it, I won't know what to make of the world anymore. I'd be really surprised if he were suddenly to shy away from the limelight. You can't start from scratch there, you have to start from below zero. I think it'll be Nagelsmann. He's got a good reputation, and he's ready."
United are planning to keep Carrick in the job until at least the November international break, although discussions regarding contingency plans and potential replacements have already taken place at boardroom level. Antonio Conte, Unai Emery and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler have also been linked with the job.
