Juventus contact Nagelsmann, putting Man United's managerial search under pressure

Manchester United’s managerial search has been complicated by Juventus reportedly contacting Julian Nagelsmann, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, as the Serie A club consider replacing under-pressure head coach Luciano Spalletti.

Nagelsmann has emerged as one of several names United have identified as potential successors to Michael Carrick, alongside Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe, and Unai Emery. However, Juventus — who have won just two of their last seven matches — are said to view the former Germany and Bayern Munich manager as their preferred alternative if a decision is made to part ways with Spalletti. The Turin club are also weighing options including Didier Deschamps, Stefano Pioli, Sergio Conceicao, and Conte.

Carrick remains in charge at Old Trafford for now, having been given a chance to turn results around following a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. United’s latest setback came at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea defeated them through a Morgan Rogers goal and a Cole Palmer penalty — the latter awarded after Lisandro Martinez raised his forearm towards Wesley Fofana, earning him a red card in the process. United are now without a win since early September and have lost four of their last five games across all competitions.

Despite some encouraging signs in the first half at Chelsea, the board has not yet moved to make a change, and Carrick is expected to take charge of United’s Champions League fixture against AS Roma on Tuesday.

Speaking after the Chelsea defeat, Carrick acknowledged the frustration but pointed to the positives from the opening 45 minutes. “Didn’t really get going second half. We should have been up first half really. Found a way of unravelling it second half. A bad goal to concede, a penalty and then were right up against it at that moment,” he said. “We’ve got to move forward. We have to take the things that worked for us today and use that moving forward.”

Juventus host Napoli in Serie A on Sunday, and a defeat could accelerate a decision on Spalletti’s future — potentially narrowing United’s options in the process.