Juventus have reportedly made contact with Julian Nagelsmann as their manager Luciano Spalletti faces mounting pressure, potentially complicating Manchester United's search for a successor to Michael Carrick.
The Serie A club have won just two of their last seven matches, prompting their hierarchy to consider replacements, with Nagelsmann near the top of their list. Former France manager Didier Deschamps, Stefano Pioli, Sergio Conceicao, and ex-Juventus boss Antonio Conte are among the alternatives mentioned.
United's managerial situation
Conte has also been suggested as a potential next manager of United, along with Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe, and Unai Emery. It seemed highly likely that one of those figures would take over at Old Trafford from Carrick after the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, but the club decided to give him the opportunity to turn their fortunes around.
Carrick's first test after receiving a vote of confidence from the board came at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Despite a strong opening 45 minutes, Chelsea took the lead early in the second half when Morgan Rogers surged through United's midfield and defence before chipping a delicate finish over Senne Lammens.
Defeat at Chelsea
Xabi Alonso's team then secured a second goal via Cole Palmer from the penalty spot, with Lisandro Martinez conceding the penalty after raising his forearm towards Wesley Fofana. Martinez was also sent off.
United are now without a win since early September and have lost four of their most recent five matches across all competitions.
Nagelsmann interest
Despite some encouraging signs against Chelsea and the decision to retain Carrick, United might still pursue a change in the technical area. One of their leading targets may soon become unavailable, with Juventus expressing interest in Nagelsmann, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti.
Galetti has suggested that the former Germany and Bayern Munich manager represents their favoured alternative to other contenders should a decision be made to dismiss Spalletti. Juventus host Napoli in Serie A on Sunday evening, and a defeat could see Spalletti replaced.
Carrick, meanwhile, is expected to continue in his position for at least United's next match, against AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday.
After the Chelsea defeat, Carrick 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."
He added: "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."
