Manchester United are on the verge of securing Champions League football for next season, with interim manager Michael Carrick receiving widespread praise for his work since replacing Ruben Amorim. However, former United defender Gary Neville has suggested that the club may look to appoint a more experienced elite manager, such as Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, on a permanent basis.
Mainoo Signs Long-Term Contract
Kobbie Mainoo has completed a dramatic turnaround at Old Trafford by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2031. Earlier this season, the midfielder appeared to be on his way out after falling out of favour under Amorim and having a loan request rejected in August. However, Carrick's appointment has revitalised Mainoo, who has started all but one game since the change in management. Director of football Jason Wilcox described Mainoo as "one of the most naturally gifted young footballers in the world," while Mainoo himself said: "We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead."
Neville's Thoughts on Carrick and Nagelsmann
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, Gary Neville praised Carrick's character and the job he has done, but suggested that the club might look to a more experienced coach. "Michael is probably one of the best lads you could ever meet and he's obviously intelligent. He's at the start of a coaching career," Neville said. "The other day I thought it would be so classy and so Michael-like if he said, 'Guys, I've done what I came in to do. I've got you into the Champions League, I've re-stabilised the club, settled the place down. Now go and put someone in.'"
Neville then discussed Julian Nagelsmann as a potential candidate, though he stopped short of outright endorsing him. "Look, people say, 'Who would you put in?' And, this is not a pitch for Nagelsmann to be the manager of Manchester United – I haven't watched enough of his football. But if I look at his work at Hoffenheim, his work at (RB) Leipzig, which is a serious coaching club, then he goes to [Bayern] Munich and wins the league, then takes Germany to the World Cup. And you say, 'Right, let's look at that coach.' That is a serious body of work."
United's Recent Form
United's 4-2 win over Brentford on Monday moved them to within touching distance of a top-five finish, virtually guaranteeing Champions League football. Carrick's side now have their sights set on securing third place, which would be a remarkable achievement given the turmoil earlier in the season. They can take a significant step towards that goal by completing a league double over fourth-placed Liverpool on Sunday.
