Manchester United are set to initiate their manager hunt this month. With Michael Carrick impressing, two key priorities emerge for the critical coaching appointment.
Manchester United have an incredible number of decisions to make this summer as they gear up for a reset following the Rúben Amorim disaster.
The former Head Coach was in charge for just 14 months and, in that time, led the club to a 15th-placed Premier League finish and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, who are now in a relegation battle.
As well as finding new central midfielders, a new left-back, and a new forward across the summer transfer window, United also need to decide who their new manager will be.
While Michael Carrick has done a stellar job to stabilise the ship and put United back on course for Champions League football, his contract only lasts until the end of the season.
Manager talks to commence this month
With Carrick having won seven of his ten games in charge so far, many are starting to suggest that he may be the best-positioned person to fit the role longer-term, considering how well he knows the players and club.
However, while other key names like Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti are no longer available, a name routinely linked to United is the talented German boss Julian Nagelsmann.
Football journalist Ben Jacobs has provided an update on the situation, explaining that this month is when the club will start formally reaching out to possible candidates.
"In April, there will be some formal outreach to other candidates," Jacobs confirmed while speaking on the United Stand YouTube channel.
"Carrick is an option and will be encouraged by what he's already done compared to others.
"I think Man United will have a name, potentially a manager in place before the World Cup."
What is the situation with Nagelsmann's contract?
While Nagelsmann is undoubtedly a brilliant coach, having found success across multiple clubs in Germany, including Bayern Munich, he is relatively young.
Many thought Amorim was too young and inexperienced for the United job, whereas Nagelsmann is three years his junior. However, the major problem with the German boss surrounds his contract.
As Jacobs went on to explain, although he is contracted with the German national set-up for a further two years, he would be open to exploring his options as early as this summer.
"With Nagelsmann, he is contracted until 2028, and is open to a club job this summer," Jacobs added. "He has been keen to manage in the Premier League."
Jacobs also stated that, while USA manager XX is appreciated by the club, Nagelsmann and Carrick are higher priorities, suggesting they may now already be the two significant players left in the race.
As United close in on their final seven games of the season in an attempt to secure Champions League football, the final decision may come down to how well Carrick performs.