Kahn warns Nagelsmann off Manchester United job as Carrick's future hangs in balance

Oliver Kahn has publicly warned Julian Nagelsmann to think carefully before considering the Manchester United job, as pressure mounts on current head coach Michael Carrick following a run of seven games without a win.

The former Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper made his comments on the German football talk show Triple – der Hagedorn Fußballtalk, pointing to United’s well-documented managerial instability as a reason for caution. “The Premier League and Manchester United have not been known for much continuity in the managerial position in recent years,” Kahn said. “He has to ask himself, ‘what is my next step? Does it have to be the right one? Or do I immediately associate it with an enormous risk like Manchester United, where essentially every manager in recent years has failed sooner or later?’”

Kahn also questioned whether Nagelsmann, 37, has the experience required for such a demanding environment. “He isn’t someone with a great deal of experience, particularly when it comes to foreign teams,” he added. “I think Julian is someone who can develop a club and a team and take them further. Whether Manchester United are the right next step for that is something only he can know.”

Nagelsmann has been available since departing as Germany head coach following a disappointing World Cup campaign, and reports suggest he would be open to taking over at Old Trafford. However, Kahn’s intervention represents a notable public warning from a figure close to the 37-year-old’s career.

Carrick’s position is under acute scrutiny after a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como extended United’s winless run. Sunday’s Premier League home fixture against Bournemouth is widely regarded as pivotal to his prospects of remaining in charge. Should United move on from Carrick, he would become their fourth permanent head coach in under two years.

United have been linked with several potential replacements. Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler and Aston Villa’s Unai Emery are among those mentioned, with out-of-work options including Eddie Howe and Kieran McKenna also mooted. Emery, with his Premier League track record, is considered by some to be the strongest fit for the club’s current needs.

Antonio Conte, another name in circulation, moved to distance himself from speculation on Friday, releasing a statement describing reports of him making demands to clubs as “unfounded” and clarifying that he is not in “negotiations at an advanced stage” with anyone.