Manchester United were beaten 4-1 by Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, extending their winless run in all competitions to seven matches. The defeat has intensified pressure on Carrick, who admitted afterwards that he was angry with his team’s performance.
According to talkSPORT, United have sounded out Nagelsmann as they consider their options should they decide to make a change. The report also identifies Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler as a possible candidate, although there has been no official announcement from United about any approach or decision concerning Carrick’s position.
Nagelsmann is available after leaving his role as Germany head coach following the summer’s World Cup campaign. The 39-year-old previously managed Bayern Munich and has been linked with the United job before. He was reportedly considered when Carrick was appointed on a permanent basis in May.
The report suggests Nagelsmann has admirers within United’s hierarchy, but any potential appointment remains speculative. The club have not confirmed that they are preparing to replace Carrick.
Hürzeler is also said to have support among figures at Old Trafford. The report adds that United have not expressed interest in Antonio Conte, despite the Italian having indicated he would be open to taking charge.
Carrick, meanwhile, has insisted the team must move on quickly from the defeat and focus on its next fixture. His immediate task is to halt the slide in results, beginning with the Premier League match against Bournemouth.
“I’m bitterly disappointed,” Carrick said after the Como game. “I’m frustrated, more than frustrated, I’m really angry to be honest.
“You’ve got to move on and think about what’s next. For us to play in that way is not acceptable, it wasn’t a good performance at all.”
The comments underline the scale of the challenge facing Carrick, but the reports about possible successors should not be mistaken for confirmation that United have decided to make a managerial change. For now, Nagelsmann’s name is part of the speculation surrounding a club under mounting pressure after another damaging result.