Bombshell: United target “crazy” 38-yo coach to replace Amorim as Vivell tightens his grip at Old Trafford – report

Manchester United are reportedly considering Julian Nagelsmann as a potential replacement for Ruben Amorim due to the growing influence of a key figure at Old Trafford. A Shock Exit INEOS sent shockwaves across football this morning after announcing the decision to sack Amorim following a heated clash with the club’s executive branch. Tension had been bubbling beneath the surface between the head coach and sporting director Jason Wilcox. But Amorim chose to go nuclear with a combative post-match interview after the stalemate with Leeds United on Sunday afternoon. The Portuguese openly called on different elements within the club, including Wilcox, to “do their jobs” in order to allow him to do his. He bristled at being called a ‘coach’, repeatedly insisting he was the “manager of Manchester United, not the coach” – a clear illustration of his discontent with the extent of his influence. But it was a bizarre power play from a coach with a record of 19 losses, 13 draws and just 15 wins from 47 league games in charge of the biggest club in England. Ruben Amorim Managerial Stats TeamFromToGames PlayedGames WonGames DrawnGames LostWin % Casa Pia1 July 20187 January 2019430175.00 Braga B16 September 201923 December 20191182172.73 Braga23 December 20194 March 202013101276.92 Sporting CP4 March 202010 November 2024231164343371.00 Manchester United11 November 20245 January 20266324182138.10 Career total——322209555864.91 Amorim’s security at Old Trafford over the past year stemmed entirely from INEOS’s support off the pitch, with absolutely zero evidence to bolster his position on it. It’s little surprise, therefore, the ownership moved quickly to dismiss him once he had publicly turned on them – and attention has immediately pivoted to which coach will be appointed as the long-term successor, after it was confirmed Darren Fletcher would take over, but only on a temporary basis. A Hipster’s Replacement There have been a host of names linked with the Red Devils hotseat – Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, Enzo Maresca, Gareth Southgate and Xavi Hernandez to name but a few. But The Independent reveals well-placed sources state Nageslmann is also under consideration. The 38-year-old German’s has a close connection with recruitment director Christopher Vivell, as the pair previously worked together at RB Leipzig. And it’s understood Vivell is “increasingly influential” at the Theatre of Dreams, with the executive a major critic of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. Nageslmann is currently manager of the German national team as he prepares to lead his country at the World Cup this summer. There is zero expectation he would give up this prestigious opportunity, having previous experience at the summit of club football with Bayern Munich. United are believed to be delaying a decision on a permanent appointment until the summer, however, by installing a caretaker until the end of the season, with Michael Carrick an early frontrunner for the role. This arrangement would enable Nageslmann to take over the Red Devils come the summer, once the tournament in North America has finished, with Carrick keeping his seat in the dugout warm until then. 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 Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.