New frontrunner to replace Michael Carrick at Man Utd emerges as INEOS stance revealed

Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as a frontrunner to replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United head coach if INEOS decide to relieve the former England midfielder of his duties, it has been reported.

Carrick's position has come under increasing scrutiny after United were thrashed 4-1 by Como in the Champions League on Tuesday night, with club captain Bruno Fernandes directly calling out his side's tactics following the defeat.

READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes directly calls out Man Utd tactics in brutally honest interview after Como defeat

Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was the bookmakers' favourite immediately after the loss to take over from Carrick, but now a new name appears to have raced towards the front of the queue.

Julian Nagelsmann becomes Man Utd head coach contender

According to talkSPORT, former Germany and Bayern Munich boss Nagelsmann and his representatives have already been 'sounded out' over potentially taking the top job at Old Trafford.

The German, who became the youngest head coach in Bundesliga history when he took over Hoffenheim in 2018 and does not turn 40 until next July, is currently out of work after he resigned from his role as Germany head coach following the World Cup.

Nagelsmann had previously coached RB Leipzig before taking over as Bayern Munich boss, guiding the former to second place in the Bundesliga in his first season in charge. He won two trophies, including the Bundesliga, in his debut season at Bayern but enjoyed less success in the 2022/23 season and was sacked before the end of the campaign.

Julian Nagelsmann resigned from his role as Germany head coach in July (Image: Getty)

Germany then reached the quarter-finals of their home European Championships in 2024 under his management, with a penalty shoot-out defeat to Paraguay at the round of 32 stage during this summer's World Cup ultimately costing him his job.

It is claimed that Nagelsmann 'has admirers' among the United club hierarchy and that he was 'high in [their] way of thinking' before Michael Carrick was appointed as permanent head coach.

The report adds that Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler is also well-liked by United, though appointing a manager who is in work - and currently in charge of a high-flying side as the Seagulls are - would be much more challenging than potentially attracting an out of work boss.

And Antonio Conte is said to be 'prepared' to take charge if he is offered the role, but no contact has been made.

READ NEXT: How Man Utd could line up under Antonio Conte with three new signings and one star player dropped

What Michael Carrick did after Como defeat speaks volumes

Immediately after the full-time whistle at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, Carrick walked over to the opposition dugout to shake hands with Como head coach Cesc Fabregas.

He then walked towards the away end and apologised to the travelling United fans in attendance in Lombardy.

"I care an unbelievable amount about the supporters," he told TNT Sports post-match. "They are the heartbeat of this football club and they always will be.

READ NEXT: Michael Carrick responds after Bruno Fernandes calls out Man Utd tactics following Como loss

"For them to travel... I had to apologise for the performance. To have to watch a performance like that, I totally feel for them. There are no excuses at all. It is not acceptable."