Julian Nagelsmann is in danger of missing out on the Manchester United job as the World Cup might hinder his chances.
According to Football Insider, Julian Nagelsmann could miss out on the Manchester United job as the 2026 FIFA World Cup could hinder his chances. The highly-rated 38-year-old manager is a big contender for the job at Old Trafford, with the club set to decide on the next name amid links with a host of high-profile names.
The Manchester United managerial position will attract plenty of attention during the summer, with the club likely to bide their time in making a decision. Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, interim boss Michael Carrick has done an admirable job in taking the team into third on the table and cementing their place as favourites to finish in the top five.
While there have been early calls for Carrick to be handed the role permanently, Manchester United do not view him as the clear favourite for the job. There are rumblings that Carrick could still have a chance to make the role his, as a strong end to the season could help him in a big way.
Beyond Carrick, a host of candidates are being seen as contenders for the role, including Andoni Iraola, Xavi Hernandez, and Julian Nagelsmann. Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is reporteldy pushing for the latter and could push for his appointment.
Nagelsmann is reportedly open to taking the Manchester United role, especially as he considers a return to club management. However, he is currently contracted to the German national team until 2028, and is certainly expected to manage the team at the World Cup.
Could the World Cup kill Nagelsmann’s Manchester United chances?
There is a possibility that the World Cup, which will run well into July, could scupper Nagelsmann’s chances of landing the Manchester United job. While the highly-rated 38-year-old manager remains a coveted contender, should the club decide on an early appointment, it would potentially rule him out of the running.
Despite his contract with Germany lasting until 2028, Manchester United could still land him by agreeing on a compensation package with Nagelsmann’s current employers. Moreover, they could even consider an arrangement for him to arrive after the World Cup, but given the importance of having a manager early in the summer, it may rule the highly-rated 38-year-old manager out of the running.
