Manchester United consider next managerial move as Michael Carrick uncertainty grows

Manchester United are assessing potential replacements for Michael Carrick, with Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe emerging as the leading candidates should the club decide to make a change.

The pair are at the top of the club’s current shortlist, according to Sky Sports News reporters Daniel Khan and Rob Dorsett. Both managers are available to take charge immediately and would not require Manchester United to pay compensation.

Nagelsmann, the former Bayern Munich coach, is currently without a club after leaving his role as Germany manager. According to the report, Germany were eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 32 after losing to Paraguay during the summer.

Howe is also without a managerial position after resigning as Newcastle head coach in July. Although he said at the time that he wanted to take a break from football to recharge, sources cited by Sky Sports News suggest he could be willing to hold talks with Manchester United if the manager’s position becomes vacant.

Howe may also have support within the club. Sporting director Wilcox is understood to favour appointing a manager with experience of the Premier League, while former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth knows Howe’s capabilities from their time working together at Newcastle.

Existing links could influence decision

Nagelsmann has a close professional relationship with Manchester United head of recruitment Christopher Vivell. The two previously worked together at RB Leipzig, a connection that could strengthen the German’s position in the contest for the job.

Unai Emery and Antonio Conte are also among the names being considered. Emery is currently Aston Villa manager, while Conte has previously managed Chelsea and Tottenham, but neither is regarded as being among the leading options at present.

Sky Sports News reports that Emery remains committed to his project at Aston Villa, making his appointment less straightforward than those of Nagelsmann or Howe.

Manchester United have limited time to resolve the situation. Their next match is against Chelsea on Saturday, leaving six days before the fixture and increasing pressure on the club’s hierarchy to determine Carrick’s position and decide on the team’s managerial direction.

The uncertainty over Carrick’s future has prompted behind-the-scenes discussions about the next stage for Manchester United, with the decision expected to focus on a candidate who is either immediately available or already familiar with the demands of English football.