Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick should Manchester United decide to part ways with their head coach.
Carrick is on the brink of dismissal after United suffered a 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como on Wednesday night, leaving the club winless in their last seven matches across all competitions. Reports suggest he has lost the dressing room, with Bruno Fernandes publicly questioning his tactics at full-time in Como, a week after Lisandro Martinez's outburst in Madrid.
Nagelsmann open to United role
The Telegraph reported on Thursday morning that the former Germany and Bayern Munich boss is open to replacing Carrick, while TalkSport claim he has already been sounded out about the role. Nagelsmann has been out of work since the summer, when he stepped down as head coach of the German national team after being eliminated from the World Cup last 32 by Paraguay.
While some at United are still said to be backing Carrick, reports indicate the club are lining up candidates in case he is relieved of his duties.
Other candidates in the frame
Antonio Conte, a Premier League winner with Chelsea and most recently employed by Napoli, has reportedly been offered to United, but the Telegraph say he does not feature on the club's shortlist. United are known to be keen on Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler, although the club acknowledge he would likely prove an expensive appointment given he agreed a new long-term contract last season.
Eddie Howe is out of work and is reportedly admired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, though it remains to be seen how much influence he will have over the decision. Howe said upon leaving Newcastle this summer that he would like to spend some time away from the game. Aston Villa's Unai Emery has also been tipped by The i Paper as a 'dream candidate' after guiding Villa to Europa League glory last season, though he would be difficult to prise away from Birmingham.
Como's Cesc Fabregas had previously been mentioned as a left-field option, but the chances of him wanting to take over United after beating them 4-1 are profoundly slim.
Carrick's future could be decided on Sunday
United host Bournemouth in the league on Sunday, a match which could decide Carrick's future if no call is made before then.
