“They cannot wait”: United set to snub world class manager despite his “strong links” with Christopher Vivell – report

Manchester United’s long-term managerial situation remains uncertain, despite Michael Carrick’s impressive start as interim head coach. Carrick has led United to third place in the Premier League table, but there is still debate over whether INEOS should appoint someone more proven before making a permanent decision. According to the Manchester Evening News, Julian Nagelsmann is one of the names the Old Trafford club should be considering. However, the report outlines that appointing the world-class tactician is “highly unlikely.” Christopher Vivell connection The Germany head coach is being viewed as one of the standout candidates. It is doubtful that this will change even if Michael Carrick finishes the season strongly. It is claimed the 38-year-old has “strong links” with United director of recruitment Christopher Vivell. This relationship could make the former Bayern Munich head coach an attractive option if the English club decides to go for someone with more experience than Carrick. Nagelsmann, however, is contracted to Germany until 2028, which therefore makes any potential switch to M16 difficult. The ex-RB Leipzig boss is set to take Germany to the World Cup in the United States this summer, which would evidently create a problem for anyone weighing up a move in the coming months. Pre-season plans It is believed United “need clarity on their managerial situation before the World Cup, they cannot wait.” Any move for Nagelsmann would leave a gap at Carrington during a key transition period. These logistics, therefore, appear to go against the former TSG Hoffenheim manager more so than the Vivell association works in his favour. Nagelsmann is easier to admire than he is to appoint, which could strengthen Carrick’s case as a more realistic option in the long run. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… Okari Wambunya Okari Wambunya is a football writer at The Peoples Person, covering Manchester United with fast, accurate, and source-led news, analysis, opinions, team developments, injuries, press conferences, and matchday reactions. A former secondary school teacher, he now coaches college football (not soccer) and continues to support young people through academic mentoring and youth work. He holds a BA (Hons) in English from Brunel University London and an MA in Education from King’s College London, with experience across digital journalism and broadcast sports media. Okari first praised Michael Carrick in a blog post he wrote at 16-years-old in 2014; over a decade later, United appointing Carrick as interim head coach feels like a full-circle moment.