Manchester United stepping up managerial hunt, Carrick remains an option

[p]Carrick continues to have support in his current role, but sources say [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-united/ppjDR086/"]United[/a] are approaching a key stage in their planning beyond this season.[/p][p]After their game against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/bournemouth/OtpNdwrc/"]Bournemouth[/a] on [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/bournemouth-OtpNdwrc/manchester-utd-ppjDR086/?mid=QZ5U62OH"]March 20[/a], United will not play again until April 13.[/p][p][b]Sources indicate this period will be a moment when members of the hierarchy begin more serious discussions about potential candidates - and then start making initial contact with names they would like to have in the frame as their next manager.[/b][/p][p]At this stage, sources have indicated to [i][b]Flashscore [/b][/i]that Julian Nagelsmann is among the names intriguing United’s powerbrokers.[/p][p]Nagelsmann is currently in charge of the German national team, but it is possible that initial feelers could soon be put out to gauge whether he might be open to a move further down the line.[/p][image alt="Man Utd's recent form" id="fd157e11-c677-4791-9467-53d328510fb4" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="c69419f7-b3ec-4021-aa03-27452828d605" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p]Roberto De Zerbi, currently out of work, is another option. However, United will not be afraid to target managers who are already in jobs if they believe there is a genuine chance of landing them.[/p][p]Initial contact will be used to establish whether a coach is actively interested in becoming United’s manager. Once the club have a clearer list of targets, they will then weigh up their options.[/p][p]There remains a level of satisfaction with the job Carrick has been doing.[/p][p][b]United currently sit third in the table, which is seen internally as the best position that could reasonably be expected given the squad and the circumstances of this season.[/b][/p][p]However, the club have been cautious about making him the favourite for the job or offering any assurances beyond this initial spell in charge.[/p][p]The aim has always been to remain open to new ideas through to the summer.[/p][p]United’s [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/manchester-utd-ppjDR086/newcastle-p6ahwuwJ/?mid=CWPWeQh2"]defeat[/a] to [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/newcastle-utd/p6ahwuwJ/"]Newcastle United[/a] this week served as a reminder that the team remains fragile and still requires further squad evolution.[/p][p]Carrick remains focused on the job at hand, but over the next two months his bosses will determine whether there are stronger options for the long term.[/p][image alt="Dean Jones" id="e34cd7ab-12a0-4298-aa2f-455ff717d7a9" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="064b5fa2-c4d4-432d-93f5-ad1392f87a99" original-width="1200" original-height="380" /]