Manchester United could lose a key member of staff who will have a big say in who replaces Michael Carrick, should the current head coach be sacked. German outlet Bild has claimed that Bayern Munich are interested in appointing Christopher Vivell, United's director of recruitment.
Vivell's Bayern link
Vivell previously worked with Julian Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig, and the former Bayern Munich and Germany boss is one of three potential replacements United are targeting. Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler are all under consideration should the club decide to make a change in the dugout.
Bayern's interest comes after the Bundesliga champions terminated their head of scouting Nils Schmadtke's contract three days ago, and they have identified Vivell as an ideal replacement. Vivell also worked for a short period at Chelsea.
Carrick's position under pressure
Carrick has come under immense scrutiny after a run of just one win in 10 games across all competitions, with that streak stretching back to late August. The Red Devils snapped that nine-game stretch without a victory on Tuesday in a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Roma in the Champions League, which could well have saved their under-fire boss.
Many thought that Carrick would be dismissed a fortnight ago after heavy defeats by Como and Bournemouth - 4-1 and 3-0 respectively - but he was kept on for the trip to Chelsea, which United lost 2-0, as Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer netted while Lisandro Martinez was sent off.
Reassessment after Villa clash
It appears that the head coach will be given until the November international break, when it has been reported that the club's hierarchy will reassess his position, following the home Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday. Should Vivell move back to Germany, that could come as a serious blow to Nagelsmann's chances of landing the job at Old Trafford.
