Michael Carrick's future at Manchester United remains uncertain as the club intensify their search for other potential candidates for the managerial position.
Carrick continues to be supported in his current role, but sources close to the club say United are entering a key planning phase for the period after this season.
After the match against AFC Bournemouth on March 20, Manchester United will not play again until April 13. According to sources, this period will be used by the club's leaders to hold more serious discussions about potential candidates for the next coach and to make initial contacts with the names they want to have on their list.
At this stage, sources have told Flashscore that Julian Nagelsmann is one of the names that is intriguing United's board. Nagelsmann is currently the Germany coach, but there is a possibility that the first contacts will be made soon to see if he would be open to a possible move in the future.
Another option is Roberto De Zerbi, who is currently without a club. However, United will not hesitate to target current managers if they believe they have a realistic chance of convincing them.
Initial contacts will be used to gauge whether a manager is genuinely interested in the Manchester United job. Once the club has a clearer list of targets, the board will weigh up their options.
There is still a level of satisfaction within the club with the job Carrick is doing. Manchester United are currently third in the table, which is considered within the club to be the best possible position given the composition of the squad and the circumstances of this season.
However, the leaders have been cautious about declaring Carrick the favourite for the job or giving him guarantees beyond this initial period in charge of the team.
The club's aim has always been to remain open to new ideas until the summer. United's defeat this week to Newcastle United served as a reminder that the team remains fragile and in need of reinforcements and further evolution.
Carrick remains focused on his current job, but over the next two months the club's board will decide whether there are stronger options for Manchester United's long-term future. ⚽
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