Manchester United had a fortunate escape when they decided against appointing Julian Nagelsmann as head coach, according to insiders. The club briefly considered the 38-year-old, who was at the World Cup with Germany, but quickly moved on. Now, after Germany's disappointing round-of-32 exit on penalties to Paraguay, the decision appears well-founded.
United's Initial Interest in Nagelsmann
United initially considered Nagelsmann as a potential head coach, with admirers inside Old Trafford including director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who worked with Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig. However, insiders insist the association was overplayed and Nagelsmann was never close to landing the job. The club did not want to wait for a coach still involved in the World Cup, as it would have disrupted pre-season planning.
Germany's World Cup Failure
Nagelsmann's Germany side were eliminated in the round of 32, losing to Paraguay on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes. It marked a third consecutive disappointing World Cup for Germany, following group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. Nagelsmann said: “I am not someone who runs away. This is not the first time this has happened. I know a lot of people will want me to leave but I would love to continue if the football association wants me.”
Carrick's Rise
Instead of Nagelsmann, United appointed Michael Carrick, who had no high-level coaching experience at a European super club. Carrick impressed over 17 games in charge, earning a two-year contract. His stock has since risen further, particularly after getting strong performances out of Casemiro while Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti struggles to do the same. United's decision to avoid waiting for a World Cup-bound coach appears to have paid off.
A Bullet Dodged
There was a view that the Bayern Munich job came too soon for Nagelsmann and he struggled to impose his authority. Germany's lack of creativity against Paraguay did not help his case. United quickly decided against pursuing a coach at the World Cup, effectively ruling out Nagelsmann and Mauricio Pochettino. In the end, Nagelsmann could have been available in early July, but the circumstances suggest United dodged a bullet.
