Carrick remains in charge for Sundayâs Premier League meeting with Bournemouth, but Unitedâs 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como has intensified scrutiny of the head coach. The team have won only twice in 11 matches across all competitions, increasing pressure on the clubâs leadership to consider its options.
The Daily Mail reports that Wilcox, Unitedâs director of football, and Vivell, the director of recruitment, do not share the same view on the preferred successor. The disagreement comes amid wider concerns about the squad assembled during the summer transfer window and the clubâs poor start to the campaign.
Vivell is reportedly keen on Julian Nagelsmann, the former Bayern Munich manager and Germany head coach. He is said to believe the German would be a strong appointment should United decide to make a change.
Wilcox, who holds the senior role in the clubâs football structure, is reportedly more inclined towards a manager with established Premier League experience. Eddie Howe, Unai Emery, Fabian HĂŒrzeler and Antonio Conte have been mentioned among the possible alternatives.
Each candidate would present a different set of considerations. Howe is familiar with the demands of English football after his time at Newcastle, while Emery has built a strong record at Aston Villa. HĂŒrzeler is currently at Brighton, and Conteâs demanding management style would make any appointment a significant decision for United.
The debate over a potential successor comes as Carrick attempts to stabilise a team whose performances have raised questions beyond the results. Bruno Fernandesâ comments after the Como defeat, including criticism of the teamâs pressing, added to the sense of tension around Old Trafford.
Carrick publicly challenged aspects of the playersâ performance after the match, saying the manner of the defeat was unacceptable. The disagreement has drawn attention to the relationship between the coaching staff and the squad, as well as the responsibility of those who shaped the team.
Manchester United are also dealing with a significant injury list, with reports suggesting Carrick has been without nine senior players. That has prompted some sympathy for the manager, although the results have left little room for error.
For now, Carrick is expected to lead United against Bournemouth. The club has not announced a change of manager, and the names being discussed remain possible options rather than confirmed appointments. But with results failing to improve, the internal debate over who should lead the next phase of the project is becoming increasingly consequential.