Manchester United’s search for a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim has taken a "ground-breaking" turn. According to reports from sources and transfer insider Ben Jacobs, current Germany national team boss Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as a primary candidate who is reportedly "very open" to taking the job after the 2026 World Cup.
While interim manager Michael Carrick has revitalized the squad—winning five of his first six games and propelling United into the Champions League spots—INEOS is still conducting exhaustive due diligence to ensure their next long-term appointment is a tactical visionary.
The "Innovative" Frontrunner: Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann, often described as a "ground-breaking" coach for his data-driven approach and tactical flexibility, is viewed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox as the ideal profile to lead the "New United."
The Availability: Nagelsmann’s contract with the DFB is set to expire after this summer’s World Cup. Unlike Thomas Tuchel (who recently committed to England until 2028), Nagelsmann is reportedly eager to test himself in the Premier League.
The Style: Known for his aggressive pressing and "positionless" fluidity, Nagelsmann is seen as the perfect fit for a squad that has recently found its feet under Carrick’s similar possession-based principles.
The "Shock Alternative": Roberto Martinez?
While Nagelsmann is the dream, a "shock" name has reportedly been discussed internally as a high-level alternative: Roberto Martinez.
The current Portugal manager—and former Everton and Belgium boss—is a divisive figure among the United faithful. However, INEOS is reportedly considering him for several reasons:
International Experience: Like Nagelsmann, Martinez will likely be available after the World Cup and brings vast experience managing world-class egos like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin De Bruyne.
Tactical Alignment: Martinez’s commitment to expansive, attacking football aligns with the "United Way" that Ratcliffe is desperate to restore.
The "Looming" Question: While some fans view Martinez as a "step backward" given his previous spell in Merseyside, his internal advocates point to his success in rebuilding national teams as a blueprint for United’s structural overhaul.
The "Carrick Conundrum"
As the world-class names swirl, Michael Carrick continues to "play his way into the job." With an 80% win rate across his two spells as interim manager, Carrick has won the "thrilled" support of director Jason Wilcox.
The current internal message is clear: If Carrick secures a top-four finish, the job could be his. However, the allure of a "generational" tactical mind like Nagelsmann may prove too tempting for INEOS to ignore as they plan for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Managerial Shortlist
| Candidate | Current Role | Status |
| Michael Carrick | Man Utd (Interim) | The "In-House" Favorite |
| Julian Nagelsmann | Germany | The "Ground-Breaking" Target |
| Roberto Martinez | Portugal | The "Shock" Internal Alternative |
| Roberto De Zerbi | Marseille | The "Concrete" Option |