After a terrible spell of results, Manchester United finally stopped the rot, with a hard-fought 3-2 comeback win over AS Roma in the Champions League last night.
Such a triumph will delight Red Devils boss Michael Carrick, who has seen huge pressure placed on his shoulders and seen rumors surrounding his future swirl around at Old Trafford.
However, it remains to be seen if the win is the start of an upturn in form, or whether it’s simply a game which papers over the cracks that have emerged in recent months.
The 45-year-old still appears to be a man under threat of losing his job, with the reports linking various managers to replace him failing to die down at present.
Why Nagelsmann could replace Carrick at United
Following Tuesday’s win over Roma, fans pointed back to a never-ending cycle, with the 3-2 win over Atalanta in the 2021/22 campaign showing glaring similarities to last night.
A second-half comeback over an Italian side injected a sense of optimism into the fanbase after a dismal run, but ultimately proved to be a one-off amid their struggles.
As a result, it’s not a surprise to see the hierarchy continue to draw up a contingency plan to replace Carrick, with Julian Nagelsmann one name who continues to be linked with the Red Devils job.
The German is said to be the choice of Director of Recruitment Christopher Vivell, after the pair worked together during their respective time at Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
The 39-year-old led the club to multiple top-four finishes in Germany’s top-flight, subsequently making them a force to be reckoned with after years of struggle.
Such a situation could unfold at Old Trafford in the near future, with the manager’s experience of leading sides out of dark periods and into a successful one there for all to see.
However, concerns are felt by other staff members behind the scenes, with his lack of experience in the Premier League just one of the issues that have arisen.
How Man United can land a better manager than Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann certainly hasn’t been the only manager linked with the United job over recent weeks, with Eddie Howe another manager who has constantly been touted as Carrick’s successor.
Jason Wilcox is said to be the driving force behind the move to appoint the 48-year-old, who led Newcastle United to multiple top four finishes in the Premier League.
His availability as a free agent will no doubt also play a part in any appointment, but the club should still be putting their focus towards more high-profile managerial options.
Unai Emery should be the leading target, and has previously been mentioned as one boss who is greatly admired by the staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on a possible deal for the Aston Villa boss, stating: “Manchester United ideally see Unai Emery as a fantastic coach.
“He’s probably the right man to be the long-term coach of Manchester United, but I also told you, Aston Villa have zero intention to let Emery leave now.
“Aston Villa love Emery and the connection between everyone at the club, and Unai is absolutely fantastic – it’s not easy to complete at all because he’s happy at Villa.”
However, just because a deal would be tricky to complete, doesn’t mean it’s impossible and United should be pulling out all the stops to secure the Spaniard’s services.
Known for favoring a 4-2-3-1 formation, he’s been one of Europe’s leading managers over recent years and has racked up an impressive CV – which has seen him become a more successful leader than Nagelsmann.
Throughout his career in Europe, Emery has managed to claim eight major trophies, including five Europa League titles – the most of any manager in the history of the competition.
The same can’t be said about Nagelsmann though, as he’s only won one major trophy – that being the Bundesliga with title-favorites Bayern Munich back in 2021/22.
The Villa boss has the experience needed for success in the Premier League too, with the Spaniard finishing seventh or higher in each of his four years at Villa Park.
He’s managed a staggering 199 games in England’s top flight, subsequently achieving a 51% win rate – a record which is higher than Nagelsmann’s throughout his own career.
Unai Emery – PL record | |
|---|---|
Statistics | Tally |
Matches managed | 199 |
Wins | 101 |
Draws | 44 |
Losses | 54 |
Win percentage | 50.8% |
Points | 347 |
Points per game | 1.74 |
Emery, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Chris Wilder, has avoided defeat in 73% of his matches in the West Midlands, with his experience of success in England vital for any move to Manchester.
While a deal would be an expensive one, there’s little denying that the current Villa boss is the best choice on the market available to replace Carrick at Old Trafford.
If the club is to finally end the recent cycle of change and failure, it’s vital that the hierarchy avoid a move for Nagelsmann and put all their focus into a deal for Emery.