Conversations with the “genius” are about to start. In my book, he is the world’s most boring manager.
Manchester United are ready to start talks to replace Michael Carrick after the club’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at Old Trafford.
Carrick lost the opportunity to move ten points ahead of Champions League rivals Chelsea, who are currently in sixth place, after the loss to relegation-threatened Leeds.
Read: Kane, Olise, Diaz – now Bayern Munich sign the next Premier League star
Two goals from Noah Okafor in the first half gave United a mountain to climb, and a controversial red card for Lisandro Martínez made the points unavailable – despite a hope late in the game via Casemiro.
United are still in a very strong position to return to Europe’s premier competition after a two-season absence. Nevertheless, the result could prove detrimental to Carrick’s long-term future at Old Trafford.
Read: Frank Lampard hopes to sign Chelsea star
According to GiveMeSport, United’s decision-makers are ready to take “a formal approach” to Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, who will lead his team in the World Cup this summer.
It is understood that both Nagelsmann and Carrick are the leading candidates for the permanent job, while US manager Mauricio Pochettino has fallen down the shortlist.
The report claims that the German is open to taking the job after his international assignments in the United States, Canada and Mexico have ended. A Premier League club is a dream opportunity for him.
It is also suggested that Portugal manager and former Everton boss Roberto Martínez has been contacted, but as things stand, Nagelsmann remains the main target to replace Carrick.
Carrick is not the first choice,” says Neville
After Monday’s game against Leeds, Gary Neville agreed that his former club should continue to look for other options – despite Carrick’s impressive start.
“If Manchester United can bring in someone who has won the Champions League regularly, or who has won titles in their own country regularly, they should still go for that solution, as far as I can see,” he said on Monday Night Football.
However, Neville admitted that as replacement options become fewer and fewer, and the more Carrick leads the club to third place, the more benefits there will be in keeping him.
“Because what you can’t do is take the chance to replace him with a manager you’re not sure about,” he added.
