Manchester United to meet Nagelsmann next week! Two conditions revealed for Carrick's permanent appointment, Champions League qualification alone is insufficient.

According to "The Athletic," Manchester United will meet with the agent of German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann in Germany next week. Club transfer director Christopher Vivell previously worked with him at RB Leipzig, and the two remain close friends, hence Vivell strongly recommends this young coach.

However, Nagelsmann is currently only one of the candidates considered by United for next season's manager, as he has two potential issues. The first is timing: Nagelsmann will lead Germany in the summer's USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup, and no one can predict his fate afterward. Second, the young coach Nagelsmann has never managed a Premier League club, making it uncertain whether he would adapt well.

United's preseason training will begin before the World Cup final concludes. If a new manager is not appointed by then, it would hinder preparations for next season. Moreover, United remains cautious about hiring coaches without Premier League experience. A club insider emphasized that no final decision has been made regarding the next manager, and any contact does not constitute a formal "interview," but is merely preliminary exploration.

Authoritative transfer expert David Ornstein revealed that United's management has indeed identified some potential managers behind the scenes, but Carrick can still control his future through his team's performance. Whether United secures Champions League qualification, along with the performance and results in the final six matches of the season, are crucial.

Champions League qualification would significantly bolster Carrick's chances of a permanent appointment. However, if United's remaining performances are poor and they only return to the Champions League due to opponents "giving up the fifth place," that might still be insufficient. Ornstein stated: "If the situation deteriorates further, Carrick's team performs poorly, and United fails to secure Champions League qualification, then the outcome would be different. In that case, Iñaki, Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, among others, would also have opportunities. Hence, United is currently maintaining patience."

Ornstein disclosed: "United should have completed all preparatory work. From what I know, they have done well in data collection and analysis, understand the manager market, and know the available options. However, reportedly, they have not conducted interviews with other managers. United may communicate with agents and intermediaries—that is their duty, as they also need to purchase players, and player and manager agents are often the same people. Yet, I am unaware of any direct negotiations, which would not be public."

He continued: "Typically, if a club contacts candidates, some information leaks eventually. There hasn't been any so far, which favors Carrick. However, nothing can be certain; we must continue to observe. United might first compile a list of candidates, including Carrick, before making a final decision."

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated that although United performed poorly in the first half against Leeds, the club's hierarchy is generally satisfied with Carrick's management. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team particularly appreciate that Carrick has established good relationships with key players in the dressing room and other personnel within the club. That is Carrick's strength, while his lack of experience in managing Champions League teams and winning trophies is a weakness.

Ornstein added: "Given the current situation, if Carrick leads United to Champions League qualification, United would not prioritize Iñaki, Glasner, or Silva over Carrick. This presents a significant challenge for United and its football director Jason Wilcox, who oversees the manager selection process and will advise the board. Currently, Carrick appears to be in a favorable position. However, nothing is finalized, and the situation could change at any moment."

Ben Jacobs also provided insight on Carrick's current status: "Carrick is definitely one of the strongest contenders, and he has received feedback reflecting that. Before taking charge, Carrick was informed his tenure would last only until the end of this season. However, United did not label him as an interim manager. United cannot secure Luis Enrique, who will renew his contract with Paris Saint-Germain for three years. Gareth Southgate declines any managerial invitations, and neither Xabi Alonso nor Enzo Maresca are under consideration by United."