The manager market for Manchester United to choose a Michael Carrick alternative from this summer has become increasingly slim, with Julian Nagelsmann also now off the list.
Manchester United’s hunt for a new manager this summer hasn’t been the usual glossy list of names interviewed and mulled over, with Michael Carrick quickly standing out as a clear favourite due to his performance as interim.
Carrick’s chances have been aided by Thomas Tuchel committing to England on a new contract, and likewise, Carlo Ancelotti is set to remain with Brazil.
Options have been dropping like flies, leaving Carrick with few real rivals for the role. Now, Julian Nagelsmann might also be off the table.
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Manchester United don’t want a World Cup manager
The importance of this summer cannot be understated for Manchester United. Ineos believe transfers will prove more vital, but getting the managerial appointment spot on is key.
For this reason, the World Cup presents a big hurdle for appointing any manager involved, because for successful countries, it would mean no new manager until after pre-season starts.
According to the Daily Mail, United are therefore reluctant to consider appointing any manager who will be busy during June and July with the World Cup.
This rules out Tuchel, Ancelotti, Mauricio Pochettino and Nagelsmann, given that the quartet are all set for long campaigns in North America this summer.
United are spot on to take this stance, as you cannot prepare for the season properly by arriving so late to pre-season, setting the manager up to fail.
If not Michael Carrick… WHO ELSE?
Can you name a good available alternative to Michael Carrick you actually want?
Michael Carrick is now the sole contender for United
Nagelsmann dropping out is a shame, considering he is one of the great tactical minds in football and would be an interesting addition.
However, it is good news for Carrick, who finds himself as a shoo-in right now.
Carrick was initially set a Champions League target, which at the time felt extreme and far-fetched, but he has made United favourites to finish third.
Now, United are one win from Champions League football and achieving this should almost certainly see Carrick given a permanent contract by Ineos.
Even if it is only a one-plus-one-year contract to see how he fares in a permanent environment, he will have earned it.
Before Carrick, United were on a downward trajectory, finishing 8th and 15th in consecutive seasons, making 3rd look like a massive achievement.
It’s Carrick’s job to lose.
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