Juventus have reportedly made contact with Julian Nagelsmann as current head coach Luciano Spalletti comes under pressure, potentially complicating Manchester United's plans to replace Michael Carrick.
The Italian club have won just two of their last seven games, prompting a list of potential replacements to be drawn up, with Nagelsmann the latest candidate to emerge as a target. Former France boss Didier Deschamps, Stefano Pioli, Sergio Conceicao and ex-Juve head coach Antonio Conte have also been linked with the role.
Manchester United's search for a new manager
Conte has also been mooted as a potential next manager of United, alongside Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Unai Emery. It appeared highly likely that one of those names would take the reins at Old Trafford from Carrick following the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, but the decision was made to let him try to turn things around.
The first hurdle he had to overcome after a show of support from the board came at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Despite a strong first half, Chelsea went in front just at the start of the second period, with Morgan Rogers allowed to run through United's midfield and defence before lifting a delicate effort over Senne Lammens.
Defeat at Chelsea and winless run
Xabi Alonso's side then grabbed a second through Cole Palmer from the penalty spot, with Lisandro Martinez, who was subsequently sent off, conceding that after raising his forearm towards Wesley Fofana. United are now winless since early September and have lost four of their last five games in all competitions.
Despite some positive signs against the Blues, and the decision to keep Carrick on, United may still make a change in the dugout. However, one of their top candidates could soon be off the market, with Juve registering an interest in Nagelsmann, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti.
Nagelsmann as Juve's preferred alternative
Galetti has claimed that the former Germany and Bayern Munich boss is their preferred alternative to other candidates should a decision be made to sack Spalletti. Juventus host Napoli in Serie A action on Sunday evening, and a defeat could see him replaced.
Carrick, meanwhile, is expected to remain in his role for United's next game at the very least, which is against AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday. The away supporters gave Carrick and the players a good ovation at full-time, with the former eager to take the positives into their next game.
He told TNT Sport: "Didn't really get going second half. We should have been up first half really. Found a way of unravelling it second half. A bad goal to concede, a penalty and then were right up against it at that moment.
"We've got to move forward. We have to take the things that worked for us today and use that moving forward. I'm just looking forward to getting the boys ready for midweek now."
