Scathing Man Utd verdict: Favourite to replace Carrick warned off 'enormous risk'

News

Tom Weber | Writer

Julian Nagelsmann has been warned off taking the Manchester United job in the event that Michael Carrick is sacked.

The latter is under immense pressure heading into the Red Devils' game with Bournemouth on Sunday. Carrick has overseen the club's worst start to a season in 40 years, and many thought that there would be no coming back from a humbling 4-1 defeat to Como midweek.

The 45-year-old will still get the chance to turn things around against the Cherries this weekend, with Man Utd reluctant to make their third coaching change in as many seasons. The writing, however, appears to be on the wall already.

Lisandro Martinez slammed the club hierarchy last week, followed by captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioning Carrick's tactical mettle after Como. In light of this, the dressing room has been described as "out of control."

Despite the looming threat of losing his job, a defiant Carrick said on Friday: "We have kind of lost our way, but I am convinced we'll get it back." Clearly, Bournemouth is a must-win game.

Nagelsmann warned off managerial graveyard

Several candidates to replace Carrick have crystallised in recent days. Eddie Howe is currently believed to be the most likely replacement, although it has been claimed that it would require a lot of convincing for him to return to the dugout so soon after leaving Newcastle.

This could make Julian Nagelsmann, another leading contender, a potentially more realistic target. However, the former Germany and Bayern Munich boss is also in the frame to replace the under-pressure Martin Demichelis at his old club RB Leipzig.

Reports in Germany claimed last week that a Red Bull comeback can't be ruled out because Nagelsmann feels that he has unfinished business in Saxony. The 39-year-old regrets leaving Leipzig for Bayern after just two years and believes that he rushed his decision.

That said, it is no secret that the Premier League appeals to Nagelsmann, and the allure of Man Utd is difficult to resist. However, it was reported on Friday that the German would want assurances over the structure above him.

He previously turned down Chelsea and Tottenham due to concerns over the club hierarchy. It is unclear whether Nagelsmann would be willing to work under Man Utd's current leadership team. Director Jason Wilcox seems to be a divisive figure - he has been criticised by Sofyan Amrabat, Ruben Amorim and, most recently, Martinez.

Whereas Wilcox is said to favour Howe, recruitment guru Christopher Vivell is a strong Nagelsmann advocate. The long-time Red Bull employee was previously a key driver behind Chelsea's interest in his compatriot.

On Thursday, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg voiced his belief that Nagelsmann would find it difficult to reject Man Utd because he "would have nothing to lose" and "things can only get better" for the struggling club.

However, his colleague Oliver Kahn holds a completely different opinion. With Man Utd having become a managerial graveyard, the legendary former goalkeeper believes that taking the job would be an "enormous risk" for Nagelsmann and could further damage his ailing reputation.

"From his point of view, it's not an easy situation. He isn't someone with a great deal of experience, particularly when it comes to foreign teams," Kahn, who had a hand in Nagelsmann's Bayern appointment, said.

"The Premier League and Manchester United have not been known for much continuity in the managerial position in recent years. He has to ask himself: What is my next step? Does it have to be the right one?

"Or do I immediately associate it with an enormous risk like Manchester United, where essentially every manager in recent years has failed sooner or later? You should look very carefully at where you're going."

Kahn is of the opinion that Nagelsmann is at his best when he can "develop a club," as he did at Hoffenheim and Leipzig. His disappointing spells in charge of Bayern and Germany have cast doubt on his ability to cope in highly pressurised environments, although there is now a general acceptance in Munich that his 2023 sacking by the perennial Bundesliga champions was premature.

"Bayern Munich and the national team were already big blows for him," Kahn explained. "You have to think carefully: Where do my strengths lie? Which club can I really help?

"I think Julian is someone who can develop a club and a team and take them further. Whether Manchester United are the right next step for that is something only he can know."

Related stories:

Man Utd target €80m Bruno Fernandes replacement: ‘He’s playing like Maradona!’

Liverpool prepare to spend €115m as Van Dijk replacement plan begins

Transfer Rumours: Arsenal in sensational wonderkid raid as five-club Man Utd battle starts