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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 15 March 2026 10:00, UK

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Manchester United are admirers of Julian Nagelsmann but Michael Carrick remains ahead of him in the race to be appointed as their next permanent manager.

Nagelsmann is currently managing Germany and plans to take them into this summer’s World Cup in North America.

His contract with the national side does not expire until 2028, but United have him on their radar as they aim to hire a permanent boss after the end of this season.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Nagelsmann is not the Red Devils’ first choice.

Michael Carrick remains in the box seat to be United’s next manager after overseeing their strong form since the start of 2026.

Julian Nagelsmann is a contender to be the next Man United boss

38-year-old Nagelsmann has been the Germany manager since 2023, and has previously held roles in charge of Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich.

He is believed to be open to taking the United job after the World Cup, but such a wait could put the Old Trafford board off from moving to make the appointment.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I don’t think they can wait until July when the World Cup finishes to then make a decision on the new manager, because the new season will come around pretty soon as well.

“Right now, I still think Michael Carrick’s in the box seat here with what he’s done so far. United will consider all options and look at all candidates to see who is the best man for the job.

“I think obviously Nagelsmann has his admirers with Vivell, and I’m sure he’s somebody that they are looking at, but maybe the World Cup means that it’s a difficult deal to do.”

Sir Alex Ferguson wants Carrick to get the United job

Carrick’s managerial experience has been questioned by those outside of the club, but the great results that he has guided United to over the last two months speak for themselves.

The Red Devils were sixth in the Premier League on a run of one win in five games when Ruben Amorim was sacked, but now sit third in the top flight and are in with a great chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

It remains to be seen whether he is handed the reins permanently, but Football Insider’s sources have revealed that legendary ex-boss Ferguson wants Carrick to be appointed on a full-time basis.

Ferguson does not have a say on board matters at Old Trafford anymore, but knowing that he has the backing of the 84-year-old will surely do wonders for Carrick’s confidence in his own ability.