Pochettino slips in Man Utd manager race as Nagelsmann, Carrick emerge as favourites
Manchester United are narrowing their search for a permanent manager, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly no longer a leading candidate for the role. According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, the club's current preferences are Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann and interim boss Michael Carrick.
The shift in focus comes amid complications with Pochettino's current contract with the United States Soccer Federation. Jacobs, speaking to The United Stand, explained that a clause in Pochettino's deal means he would not be immediately available, requiring United to negotiate an early exit with US Soccer if they wanted him in place for the start of the Premier League season. Pochettino, who has long been linked with the Old Trafford job, only took the US role in September 2024 ahead of the home World Cup.
Instead, the club's hierarchy, led by INEOS, is looking seriously at other options. Julian Nagelsmann is understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League and is open to a club job this summer, despite being under contract with the German national team until 2028. Sources indicate the 36-year-old has made his interest in the United position clear.
Internally, Michael Carrick has strengthened his case significantly since taking over on an interim basis. He is said to have left a strong impression on the new ownership and has improved the team's atmosphere and performances, undoing some of the issues from the previous regime. Sources have previously indicated Carrick is the frontrunner for the permanent role.
However, the club is conducting a thorough process and intends to speak with several elite candidates before making a final decision. Jacobs suggested that United aim to have a manager in place before the 2026 World Cup begins this summer. Formal outreach to other candidates is expected to begin in April.
Pochettino's path to a Premier League return this summer appears more complex. After a season at Chelsea and his subsequent move to international management, he admitted last month that he "loves" England and the league, but his contractual situation presents a hurdle. He had also been linked with a return to Tottenham Hotspur before they appointed Roberto De Zerbi.
The decision is a critical first major appointment for the INEOS era at Old Trafford. With the club currently third in the Premier League but seeking long-term stability and a defined style of play, the choice between an experienced, high-profile tactician like Nagelsmann and a club legend who has already steadied the ship in Carrick will define their direction for years to come.
