Manchester United's next manager search has been solved by AI, with the coach in question having already been endorsed by Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp previously praised the coach who was selected by AI(Image: Michael Regan, Getty Images)
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The job of Manchester United manager has proved somewhat of a poisoned chalice following Sir Alex Ferguson's departure. United have cycled through 11 bosses, including caretaker and interim appointments, since 2013 without a Premier League or Champions League trophy remotely close to returning to Old Trafford.
Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, United are once again hitting the reset button on their path to success, with Michael Carrick among the contenders to be named interim boss. The rebuild will truly begin with the appointment of a permanent manager, though.
Several candidates have been linked with the role, including Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel. However, there's apparently only one individual who ticks all the boxes. Well, according to AI, at least.
We consulted AI for its suggestion on who should succeed Amorim in their bid to rouse the slumbering giants and the response it provided was Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Setting aside AI, the 38-year-old has already received glowing endorsements from compatriot Jurgen Klopp, who previously labelled him a "big coaching talent". This came before the two tacticians were set to face each other in 2017, with Klopp's Liverpool meeting Nagelsmann's Hoffenheim in the Champions League playoffs.
Just 29 years old at the time, Nagelsmann was earmarked for greatness by Klopp, who said: "I'm really happy for my friend and agent because I'm the old horse in the stable and there's a young horse already!
"He's a big, big coaching talent. We don't know each other very well but I've followed his way because I like good football. He's not the only one but he's a good example of a lot of really good young managers in Germany."
Julian Nagelsmann
Julian Nagelsmann has a contract with Germany until 2028(Image: Gabor Baumgarten/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)
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Returning to the AI analysis of why Nagelsmann stands out above other managerial contenders for United, his spell at another footballing powerhouse in Bayern Munich demonstrates he is well-versed in managing big egos and lofty expectations.
However, his Germany contract running until UEFA Euro 2028 might present an obstacle. Nagelsmann has previously been in charge of Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, with his tenure at the former showcasing his team-building skills.
When he took charge in February 2016, Hoffenheim sat 17th in the Bundesliga, yet Nagelsmann steered them clear of the drop and just 12 months on secured Champions League qualification for the first time in the club's history.
Jurgen Klopp and Julian Nagelsmann
Jurgen Klopp previously praised Julian Nagelsmann(Image: Laszlo Szirtesi/Getty Images)
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Considering United's current situation, the club require a manager who can, given sufficient time, construct a side capable of qualifying for European competition and thriving in it, as evidenced by his Champions League semi-final run with Leipzig.
Amorim's rigid adherence to his three-at-the-back system proved a constant frustration during his 14-month tenure at Old Trafford but Nagelsmann wouldn't face the same criticism due to his tactical adaptability, the AI suggests. With the ability to organise teams that can operate with a back three or four, the German manager has the flexibility to adapt to the players he has at his disposal, rather than forcing them into a specific system.
Whether United's hierarchy opt to pursue Nagelsmann remains to be seen but the German appears to be an ideal candidate to breathe new life into the club following another managerial exit. According to AI, at least.