Manchester United expected to add two big names to manager wishlist

Manchester United’s hierarchy are preparing to expand their managerial shortlist with two high-profile candidates, according to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs. Speaking on The United Stand, Jacobs revealed that Julian Nagelsmann and Brighton’s former boss Roberto De Zerbi are poised to be formally added to the club’s final wishlist as the Red Devils weigh up life beyond interim coach Michael Carrick.

Carrick has overseen a strong run of form since stepping into the dug-out, yet United’s decision-makers are already mapping out a long-term strategy. Jacobs reports that Nagelsmann, currently tied up with Germany’s World Cup preparations, is open to a Premier League move this summer. The 36-year-old tactician, once Ralf Rangnick’s protégé at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, is viewed internally as a modern-day upgrade on Rangnick—possessing the same tactical ingenuity without the abrasive edges that undermined the interim spell at Old Trafford.

Sources close to the negotiations insist Nagelsmann’s abrupt departure from Bayern Munich was triggered more by boardroom politics and ego clashes than coaching performance. With Thomas Tuchel struggling to match Nagelsmann’s Bundesliga points trajectory, United see an opportunity to secure a coach still rated among Europe’s brightest.

De Zerbi’s inclusion, however, comes with caveats. The Italian guided Brighton to eye-catching spells of possession-based football, but his reign ended in turmoil. Concerns linger over his ability to manage elite dressing-room dynamics, while controversial recruitment calls at Marseille—most notably the pursuit of Mason Greenwood—have raised red flags about his judgment under scrutiny.

Nonetheless, United appreciate De Zerbi’s Premier League experience and his capacity to develop young talent. Whether the club ultimately gambles on the mercurial Italian or pivots toward Nagelsmann’s polished project-management style will depend on how the coming weeks unfold.

For now, Carrick continues to strengthen his own case, but the backdrop is clear: United are bracing for a summer of strategic recalibration, and two of Europe’s most discussed coaches are set to dominate the conversation.