Julian Nagelsmann gives Man Utd green light as Michael Carrick replacement identified

· Mirror

Michael Carrick's job is hanging by a thread after Manchester United suffered a 4-1 hammering against Como in the Champions League, leaving them winless in seven games

Manchester United are set to consider Julian Nagelsmann if they decide to sack Michael Carrick - and the German is open to talks. United chiefs are mulling over Carrick's future and sifting through the wreckage of Wednesday's woeful 4-1 defeat away to Como in the Champions League.

The hammering extended the Red Devils' winless run to seven games, having only claimed victory in two of their 11 matches this season - against newly prompted Ipswich and European minnows Sabah. Carrick apologised to United's travelling supporters at the rainy Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium in scenes reminiscent of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's final act before he was sacked in 2021.

While no decision has been publicised as of Thursday morning, the Telegraph report that United will consider appointing Nagelsmann if they give Carrick the boot. It's added that the former Bayern Munich boss would listen to an approach.

The 39-year-old has been out of work since being resigning as manager of Germany in July. Nagelsmann - who made his name managing Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in his late 20s - has links with Christopher Vivell, United's director of global talent, having worked together at RB Leipzig.

When Vivell was technical director at Chelsea, they looked at hiring Naglesmann. The report adds that Nagelsmann held concerns regarding Chelsea's structure and recruitment in 2023, so he'd likely demand assurances from the United board over those issues.

Another manager on United's shortlist is Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, whose side are flying high in the Premier League. Like Nagelsmann, Hurzeler began his managerial career at a young age and he's been tracked for some time by the Old Trafford hierarchy as a future option.

Antonio Conte has also been offered to the Red Devils, although the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager isn't expected to be considered. Nor is Eddie Howe, who's also a free agent after leaving Newcastle.

As for Carrick, he was handed a two-year deal by United following an outstanding spell as their interim manager last season. But things have already unravelled, with captain Bruno Fernandes calling out his tactics in a post-match interview.

Carrick didn't want to speak about his future before flying back from Italy, but he's due to face the media again on Friday to preview Sunday's clash with Bournemouth. There could be a toxic atmosphere at Old Trafford, with most fans directing their anger at United's players and owners rather than Carrick.

> "It's not about playing for me, it's about playing for this football club," he said. "It's the responsibility that comes with being in the position; I'm responsible for the football club and the supporters. I'm giving my best, absolute best all the time, I care about it. My whole life's wrapped around it. I genuinely give everything that I possibly can."

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