Man Utd eyeing meticulous manager who Pep Guardiola said might as well be Spanish
Manchester United‘s head of recruitment Christopher Vivell reportedly favours Julian Nagelsmann as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick, despite director of football Jason Wilcox preferring Eddie Howe.
According to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, Nagelsmann is highly regarded by Vivell, who previously worked alongside the German coach at RB Leipzig.
However, Wilcox is understood to favour Howe, believing his extensive Premier League experience makes him a particularly attractive candidate.
The former Newcastle United manager has been out of work since July, but Nagelsmann’s reputation makes him an intriguing alternative.
The 39-year-old has previously managed Hoffenheim, Leipzig, Bayern Munich and the German national team, earning widespread praise for his innovative tactical approach and meticulous preparation.
Michael Carrick facing uncertain Man Utd future
United are not believed to have made a decision to dismiss Carrick, who is expected to remain in charge for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
Nevertheless, the former midfielder is under enormous pressure following a dreadful start to the campaign.
The Red Devils have won just two of their opening 11 matches in all competitions, and Wednesday’s humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat against Como has only intensified scrutiny of the manager, whose side were comprehensively outplayed by the Italian outfit.
Carrick apologised to United’s travelling supporters following the defeat and acknowledged his frustration with the performance, but insisted that the responsibility for turning things around ultimately rests with him and his players.
Should Ratcliffe decide that a managerial change is necessary, Nagelsmann would arrive with the endorsement of some of football’s most respected figures.
What managers have said about Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most tactically sophisticated coaches, with his attention to detail, innovative methods and ability to develop players attracting considerable admiration.
Indeed, some of the game’s biggest managerial names have spoken glowingly about the German, including Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.
Jürgen Klopp
Former Liverpool manager Klopp has been particularly complimentary about Nagelsmann, having experienced the difficulty of facing his Hoffenheim side.
Speaking in September 2026, Klopp reflected on the remarkable rise of his fellow German and admitted he had found Nagelsmann’s teams challenging opponents.
“I’ve been doing this job for 25 years; Julian Nagelsmann was 13 back then. I have immense respect for him.
“I had a lot of trouble playing against his Hoffenheim side with Liverpool. He’s an exceptional coach, 100%.”
Pep Guardiola
Ex-Manchester City boss Guardiola has similarly recognised Nagelsmann’s progressive approach.
Speaking in 2018, ahead of a Champions League encounter with Hoffenheim, Guardiola compared the German’s footballing philosophy with the style traditionally associated with Spanish coaches.
“But there are young coaches who have come through like Julian Nagelsmann or Thomas Tuchel, who, if they coached in Spain, you’d think they were Spanish.”
Thomas Tuchel
England manager Thomas Tuchel was another early admirer of Nagelsmann, having worked with him during their time at Augsburg.
Nagelsmann’s playing career ended prematurely through injury, but he subsequently moved into coaching and analysis, establishing himself as a promising young figure.
“He’s a very inquisitive and very hardworking young coach.
“He celebrated exceptional successes in youth football. I’m very happy for him and I believe in him.”
Hansi Flick
Former Germany manager and current Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has also spoken positively about Nagelsmann, having encountered him during his early coaching career at Hoffenheim.
“I have an absolutely positive opinion of Julian Nagelsmann, he is a very good coach.
“I met him in Hoffenheim. He’s been a talented coach for as long as he’s been around.”
Nagelsmann subsequently succeeded Flick at Bayern Munich in 2021, winning the Bundesliga title in his first season.
What players have said about Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann’s reputation is not limited to the managers who have admired his work from afar.
Several players who have worked directly under the German have also praised his tactical knowledge, meticulous preparation and ability to improve individual performances.
Joshua Kimmich
Perhaps one of Nagelsmann’s most significant endorsements came from Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
Following the manager’s departure from Bayern in March 2023, Kimmich placed him among the very best coaches he had worked under.
“I can only say that Julian Nagelsmann is an outstanding coach.
“Really, I’ve had a lot of coaches and a lot of top coaches and despite that I’d say he’s easily in the top three of my best coaches.”
Dayot Upamecano
Defender Dayot Upamecano experienced Nagelsmann’s methods at both RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, making him particularly well-placed to discuss the German’s approach to training and preparation.
Speaking in 2021, Upamecano highlighted the extensive analysis undertaken by his manager and his commitment to improving individual players.
“He is a great coach. He helps players progress a lot and he has analyzed every opponent.
“He loves video analysis, he talks a lot to his players. He is very strong tactically.”
Such attention to detail has become a defining feature of Nagelsmann’s managerial reputation, with the German known for demanding that his players understand the finer aspects of his tactical systems.
Emil Forsberg
Former Leipzig midfielder Emil Forsberg has offered another revealing insight into Nagelsmann’s coaching methods.
The Sweden international worked under the German during Leipzig’s memorable run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2020.
“He knows exactly what he wants and he tells it to you straight. Tactically, he has been top-drawer. He always has a plan.”
What Ralf Rangnick has said about Julian Nagelsmann
Former Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick also played an important role in Nagelsmann’s career, helping bring him to Leipzig from Hoffenheim
Rangnick was particularly impressed by the young coach’s potential, describing him as the “greatest managerial talent in Germany”.
His assessment carries added significance given his previous involvement at Old Trafford and his longstanding association with the Red Bull football network.
Whether Nagelsmann eventually gets the opportunity to demonstrate those qualities at United remains uncertain, particularly with Wilcox reportedly favouring Howe.
However, the German’s reputation among some of football’s most accomplished managers and players suggests Vivell has compelling reasons for wanting him at Old Trafford.
