Julian Nagelsmann is one of the leading contenders for the Manchester United permanent head coach job after other top candidates dropped out of the race.
Ineos have begun the process of hiring a permanent head coach for Manchester United in the summer, and Julian Nagelsmann is still in the running.
Nagelsmann was on United’s radar in 2024 as a potential successor for Erik ten Hag, but Ineos instead opted to go with Ruben Amorim.
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The 38-year-old is currently in charge of the Germany national team and will lead them into the 2026 World Cup. If Ineos decide to snub Michael Carrick and look elsewhere, Nagelsmann has one of the best CVs remaining out of the options.
Julian Nagelsmann as Germany manager
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Julian Nagelsmann formations used
Before taking charge of Germany, Nagelsmann was the manager of Hoffenheim, Red Bull Leipzig and Bayern Munich.
Nagelsmann has often been fluid with his tactical approach at those clubs, using a variety of formations in the process.
In charge of Germany, Nagelsmann has preferred a 4-2-3-1 formation, using a rotation of Florian Wirtz and Serge Gnabry in the attacking No.10 role.
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It is similar to Michael Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 formation used at United this season where it is club captain Bruno Fernandes playing in the No.10.
Nagelsmann also preferred a 4-2-3-1 shape at Bayern Munich, but as per Coaches Voice, it would often become a 4-4-2 out of possession with wide players tucking into midfield and the attacking midfielder joining the striker in the press.
At Hoffenheim and Leipzig, Nagelsmann also used a 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 shape to build up in possession.
Like Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, Nagelsmann liked to use wing-backs out wide to provide an attacking outlet, and they would settle into a five-at-the-back shape when defending deep.
Julian Nagelsmann is versatile
One of the biggest criticisms of Amorim was that he was too stubborn and unwilling to adapt from his 3-4-3 system.
Despite a terrible record in the Premier League, Amorim insisted on using his preferred shape and refused to change.
However, that is not the case with Nagelsmann, who has traditionally changed his setup depending on the players available to him.
READ MORE: Julian Nagelsmann praises Manchester United’s ability to turn games around
At Leipzig and Hoffenheim, Nagelsmann had wing-back specialists who suited a three-at-the-back system, and he had huge success.
At Bayern and Germany, Nagelsmann has preferred to control games with a 4-2-3-1 formation which United are currently having success with under Carrick.
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