Spectacular comeback – Does Julian Nagelsmann take over United?

After the 1‑4 defeat of the Red Devils against the Italian surprise team Como 1907 in the Champions League, the media are now discussing whether Julian Nagelsmann could take over the coaching role from Michael Carrick. The former national team coach, after the disappointing World Cup exit, is in the spotlight after the lamentable performance, while Manchester United already occupy the 13th place in the table after seven games.

Manchester United is once again deep in crisis, and coach Michael Carrick is on the brink of being dismissed. The 1‑4 defeat against the Italian surprise team Como 1907 in the Champions League makes the exit imminent. Currently the team occupies the 13th place in the table after seven matchdays.

Nagelsmann's recent coaching career

Julian Nagelsmann, the former national team coach of the German national team, is being touted as a possible successor after this defeat. After the disappointing World Cup exit, in which the DFB team lost on penalties to Paraguay in the round of 16, the 39‑year‑old coach has been without a club since then. His coaching career so far includes successes at Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and TSG Hoffenheim.

Since the surprising exit at Bayern in March 2023, rumors about a Premier League engagement have repeatedly circulated. Nagelsmann had already a few weeks ago been mentioned as a possible returnee to the Saxons, i.e. RB Leipzig. However, the speculation was quickly dismissed by Roger Schmidt, successor to Jürgen Klopp.

Rumors about Leipzig and reactions

Martin Demichelis had briefly raised hope after a 6‑0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, but Schmidt stated: “That is quite normal nowadays in this business. You have to work on issues when you lose one or two games.” With that, the idea that Nagelsmann should replace Demichelis was effectively ended.

Carrick is de stem van de crisis bij Manchester United

The Guardian called the Lombardy defeat a “humiliating defeat”, while the Telegraph from England spoke of a “type of performance that costs a coach his job”. Captain Bruno Fernandes publicly criticised his coach’s tactics after the match. The Red Devils are therefore regarded as fundamentally damaged.

Como coach Cesc Fàbregas reacts

Como coach Cesc Fàbregas expressed regret about the last ten minutes, during which he let the tempo drop. He said he had instructed Tassos Douvikas not to run any more, but to stay in the middle, and admitted that the conceding goal had triggered his bad feeling. The Spanish former midfielder emphasized his responsibility.

Michael Carrick himself was restrained after the final whistle. He said: “There is still a lot to do before the next game, and we have to prepare the team for it,” and pointed to the upcoming league match against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday. Carrick emphasized that the night was difficult for everyone.

Manchester United under Carrick face manager hunt as pressure mounts

Coaching changes at United since 2013

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s resignation in 2013, eight different coaches have already stood on the Old Trafford sidelines, including figures such as Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho and Ralf Rangnick. The high turnover of coaches is seen as one reason for the ongoing instability. United is now waiting for a possible decision on Nagelsmann’s potential takeover.