Nagelsmann urged to think twice before taking on Manchester United challenge

Julian Nagelsmann has been warned that becoming Manchester United manager would represent a major career risk, with former Bayern Munich chief executive Oliver Kahn questioning whether the German is ready to take charge of a club that has struggled for stability.

Nagelsmann is among the leading candidates to replace Michael Carrick, whose position has come under increasing pressure following a run of poor results. Manchester United’s latest setback was a heavy 4-1 defeat by Italian side Como in the Champions League.

Kahn, who worked with Nagelsmann during the coach’s time at Bayern Munich, said the 39-year-old must carefully consider his next move.

“Neither the Premier League nor Manchester United have been known for stability in the manager’s position in recent years,” Kahn told Sky Germany.

“He has to ask himself: what is my next step? Should it be the right step, or should I immediately take on a huge risk such as Manchester United, where almost every manager has failed in recent years, sooner or later?

“He needs to study carefully where he is going.”

Nagelsmann’s spells with Bayern Munich and Germany have also raised questions about whether he would be the right appointment for a club attempting to rebuild and compete with the leading teams.

Neither experience delivered the success expected. Nagelsmann left his role as Germany manager after the team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup and is now available for a new appointment.

Manchester United are considering another change to their coaching structure as the club’s results continue to deteriorate, with a decision on Carrick’s future potentially coming early in the season.

Nagelsmann is understood to be one of five managers with whom United officials have made informal contact as they prepare for the possibility of dismissing Carrick.

The Mirror, citing the Daily Mail, reported that Manchester United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, is strongly advocating Nagelsmann’s appointment and regards him as the leading candidate for the job.

United’s hierarchy is also facing scrutiny over its recent managerial decisions. Since the INEOS group became involved in the club’s management, it backed Erik ten Hag before dismissing him after a short period.

The club then appointed Ruben Amorim, who remained in charge for little more than a year, before giving Carrick the permanent position despite doubts about his experience.

The defeat by Como has intensified uncertainty over Carrick’s future. Nagelsmann remains a possible successor, although Kahn’s warning highlights the dangers of taking charge of one of the clubs most frequently associated with managerial changes in recent years.