Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann Express Interest In Permanent Manchester United Role As Michael Carrick Emerges In Pole Position

Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi are reportedly interested in the Man Utd job, but interim boss Michael Carrick remains the "pole position" favorite.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 12:43 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Resurgence of Manchester United Under Interim Leadership

The atmosphere at Old Trafford has shifted dramatically following the January dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Under the guidance of interim manager Michael Carrick, Manchester United has secured 22 points from a possible 27 across nine matches, breathing new life into a season that once seemed destined for mid-table mediocrity. This surge in form has forced Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS sporting department to reconsider their long-term managerial strategy. While the club has spent the last 13 years struggling to mount a genuine Premier League title challenge, Carrick’s "attitude and commitment" have positioned him as a homegrown solution to a decade-long leadership crisis.

Elite External Interest: De Zerbi and Nagelsmann Signal Availability

While Carrick continues to impress internally, the allure of the Manchester United job remains a significant draw for the world’s most prominent tactical minds. Reports from TEAMtalk indicate that both former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and current Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann have expressed a keen interest in the permanent position. These "elite" options represent a different philosophy for the club—one of established European pedigree and tactical innovation. Additionally, England manager Thomas Tuchel remains under consideration as the board weighs the benefits of a high-profile external appointment against the current momentum generated by Carrick.

Due Diligence and the "Pressure Cooker" Environment

Despite the external noise and the availability of proven winners, transfer insider Graeme Bailey suggests that Manchester United will not be swayed by public opinion or media pressure. The club is currently analyzing five external names, including Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone and PSG’s Luis Enrique, though neither is understood to have expressed a strong desire to relocate to the Premier League. The board’s priority is to conduct a comprehensive review of every viable candidate to ensure the next appointment can withstand the unique "pressure cooker" environment of Old Trafford. For now, Carrick is described as being in "pole position," with his daily work on the training ground carrying more weight than any external resume.