The Germany boss emerges as a top target for the Red Devils’ board following Ruben Amorim’s exit, with Michael Carrick holding the fort in the interim.
The search for a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford has taken a fascinating turn. While Manchester United have placed their short-term trust in Michael Carrick, reports suggest that Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as a primary long-term candidate to lead the club’s new era.
The World Cup Priority According to transfer insider Pete O’Rourke, Nagelsmann views the Manchester United job as a “favored destination” and believes it would be the ideal step for his career at the club level. However, there is a significant catch: the 38-year-old tactician has no intention of leaving the German National Team before the 2026 World Cup.
Nagelsmann is currently fully committed to leading Die Mannschaft in North America this summer. Any potential move to the Premier League would only take place after his current international obligations are fulfilled, making him a candidate for the start of the 2026/27 season.
Difficulties with De Zerbi and Tuchel The focus on Nagelsmann comes as other high-profile targets remain out of reach. Fabrizio Romano recently reported that United’s “dream” appointments would be Roberto De Zerbi or Thomas Tuchel. However, negotiations with both are described as “extremely difficult,” with neither manager showing immediate interest in taking over the hot seat during the current mid-season turmoil.
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The Carrick Factor This timeline aligns with the club’s decision to appoint Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the current season. If Carrick achieves a top-four finish or silverware, the board will face a difficult decision: reward the interim boss with a permanent contract or wait for a world-class profile like Nagelsmann to become available in July.
With the Manchester Derby just days away, the shadow of a future world-class manager like Nagelsmann adds even more pressure—and intrigue—to Carrick’s current audition at the Theatre of Dreams.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
