Insider: Tug-of-war at Carrington as Two top Man Utd officials argue on Nagelsmann & Howe
Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe have emerged as the two main candidates for the Manchester United job, but the management has yet to reach an internal agreement on either manager.
The Premier League giants have been enduring a miserable start to the season under Michael Carrick. The team has only registered two wins in 11 matches across all competitions.
The woeful 1-4 defeat to Como in the Champions League could have been the final nail in Carrick’s managerial stint, but the 45-year-old will be in charge when Man Utd host Bournemouth on Sunday.
However, some observers believe it is only a matter of time before the Wallsend native is shown the door, as the club is already searching for a replacement.
Man Utd directors disagree on Carrick’s replacement
In recent days, several sources have identified Howe and Nagelsmann as the favourites for the role, with Antonio Conte relegated to a third choice.
Both managers are currently unattached, having left Newcastle and Germany in the summer, and they’re both appreciated by the management, albeit by different directors.
According to Carrington insider Sully, Man Utd’s Head of Recruitment Christopher Vivell has been pushing for Nagelsmann since June, as he was against confirming Carrick in a permanent role.
Vivell had previously worked with his German compatriot during their time together at RB Leipzig. However, Nagelsmann wasn’t available in June, as he was still at the helm of the German national team.
The source reveals that Vivell is once again vouching for Nagelsmann, whereas Man Utd’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, prefers a Premier League-proven manager like Howe.
Why Howe might have the upper hand over Nagelsmann
As Sully explains, Wilcox might be Howe’s main supporter at Man Utd, but he’s not the only one, suggesting other officials are beginning to rally around the 48-year-old Englishman.
Moreover, Wilcox holds a higher position in the hierarchy than Vivell, so unless the latter can convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe or CEO Omar Berrada to back Nagelsmann, the German head coach is unlikely to be appointed.
In the meantime, Carrick will be hoping for a swift reaction from his team on Sunday, but will it be enough to save his job?
