Manchester United consider Bayern Munich’s Aaron Danks to support Michael Carrick

Manchester United are considering adding Aaron Danks to Michael Carrick’s coaching staff instead of dismissing the manager and appointing a replacement.

Danks, currently an assistant coach at Bayern Munich, is among the names being discussed as a possible addition to Carrick’s team, according to the BBC. The pair previously worked together at Middlesbrough.

Danks was linked with a move to Manchester United last summer but remained at Bayern Munich, where he continued as part of Vincent Kompany’s coaching staff.

A departure from the German club appears unlikely at present. German newspaper Abendzeitung reports that Bayern Munich and Kompany do not want to lose Danks, while the English coach is also not considering leaving.

Danks has taken temporary charge of Bayern Munich in recent weeks while Kompany has been absent because of a health problem. He guided the team to four wins and one draw in five matches.

Kompany is expected to return to the dugout for Bayern Munich’s match against Koln on 20 November, after the international break, with Danks then set to resume his usual role as the Belgian’s assistant.

Manchester United’s difficult start has increased the pressure on Carrick. The club have dropped to 18th in the Premier League and have won only one of their opening 10 matches, prompting discussions about the future of the coaching staff.

Carrick initially took temporary charge of Manchester United in January 2026 before being appointed permanently after convincing the club’s hierarchy that he could lead its football project. However, the team’s recent results have placed his position under renewed scrutiny.

The club are understood to be examining several options, including keeping Carrick in charge while strengthening his coaching staff rather than making a complete change in leadership.

Florian Zahn to leave Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have also announced an agreement with Florian Zahn to end their relationship by mutual consent after almost seven years at the club.

Zahn was responsible for scouting and squad planning for Bayern Munich’s youth football teams. He joined the club’s academy from Chelsea in the summer of 2019.

Bayern Munich said the decision followed positive discussions between the two parties.

“Florian and his team discovered many talented players during the past few years who have reached professional football or are close to taking that step,” said Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund. “We would like to thank him for his work and wish him all the best for the future.”

Zahn said: “Bayern Munich gave me the opportunity to play an active role in recruiting and developing local and international talent. Being given that opportunity at a club that has a special place in my heart means a great deal to me and fills me with pride and gratitude.”

He added: “After seven years at the club, I feel the time is right to continue my personal and professional development.”

Zahn’s departure is part of wider changes in Bayern Munich’s scouting department. The club previously announced that its head of scouting, Nils Schmadtke, would leave his position on 31 January 2027.