Man Utd ready to open talks with Michael Carrick replacement

Cameron Smith

• 14 Apr 2026 13:01 CDT
• 4 min read

News

Manchester United are reportedly ready to engage in talks with Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann amid their pursuit of a new permanent manager.

Interim head coach Michael Carrick remains the most likely candidate to be handed the job this summer, but his chances were dented following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United on Monday night.

Man Utd remain in third place in the Premier League table following the loss, but they could slip to fifth if they lose to Chelsea on Saturday and both Aston Villa and Liverpool win.

In the aftermath of the defeat to Leeds, GiveMeSport have revealed that Man Utd officials are set to formally approach Nagelsmann this month, with the Germany boss ready to return to club management following this summer’s World Cup.

It’s claimed that Nagelsmann is keen to join a Premier League club ahead of the 2026-27 season and Man Utd have earmarked him as an alternative to Carrick, who remains the bookies’ odds-on favourite to be appointed as Ruben Amorim’s permanent successor as things stand.

Nagelsmann became Germany manager back in 2023 and he guided them to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 before losing to eventual winners Spain thanks to an extra-time winner from Mikel Merino. Before joining the national team, he took charge of Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim, becoming the youngest manager in Bundesliga history when he was appointed by the latter at 28 years old.

Roy Keane delivers Man Utd next manager verdict

While Man Utd are plotting talks with Nagelsmann, club legend Roy Keane believes that Carrick remains the most likely candidate for the permanent job.

Speaking ahead of the Red Devils’ 2-1 loss to Leeds on Monday, Keane told Sky Sports: “It's a nice problem to have. I fully expected when he [Carrick] got the job to win some football matches. They couldn't have been as bad as they were. Going back to last season, finishing 15th.

“He had a dream start, City and Arsenal, winning them. He had the disappointment of the Newcastle game and even the last game, the 2-2 at Bournemouth. If he can finish the season strongly, which it looks like they can do, and obviously they've [got] Chelsea next week and if they can beat Liverpool.

“Emotionally that will get fans on side. It's going to make it very difficult. I'm sure United are speaking to prospects out there, potential other managers. At the moment he is in the driving seat. I can certainly see him getting the job.

“Then the real tests will start in the summer, getting recruitment and competing in terms of games where there's jeopardy. The last month or two I think it's almost been easy for him, I really do. He's just focusing on winning football matches.

“The challenge will come, if he gets the job, with recruitment, managing the club and tougher games. He'll be properly judged next year if he is the permanent manager at United.”

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