Michael Carrick and Julian Nagelsmann are two names at the forefront of Manchester United’s manager race.
Ineos are in the process of hiring a permanent Manchester United head coach in the summer and Michael Carrick’s first defeat as interim has posed questions about his future.
United fans want Carrick to stay after his impressive start, and players have rallied behind Carrick ahead of the summer decision.
But others have called for United to hire a world-class head coach and Julian Nagelsmann is keen to take charge in the summer.
Michael Carrick looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Where does Julian Nagelsmann rank in Man United’s new manager shortlist?
Would you be concerned of his similarities with Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag?
Julian Nagelsmann at FIFA World Cup 2026 Official draw
Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
How does Michael Carrick compare to Julian Nagelsmann?
Experience
One of the biggest criticisms for Michael Carrick not getting the United job is his lack of experience in management, but Nagelsmann at 38 years old is actually six years his junior.
But while Carrick has the experience of age, Nagelsmann has more than double his tally of matches managed.
Man Utd candidate No. of games managed
Michael Carrick 147
Julian Nagelsmann 344
Carrick’s only permanent appointment as a manager has come at Middlesbrough, where he was in charge between 2022 and 2025 before being sacked. In comparison, Nagelsmann spent three years in charge of Hoffenheim, two with RB Leipzig and two with Bayern Munich before accepting the Germany job in 2023.
More United News
Win rate
This season, Carrick has stepped in as interim head coach and won six of his first eight matches in charge, meaning he boasts a 75% win rate as United boss.
But overall, it is Nagelsmann who has the superior win rate across their entire managerial careers.
Man Utd candidate Wins Draws Losses Win rate
Michael Carrick 71 26 50 48.3%
Julian Nagelsmann 186 85 73 54.07%
Who do you think will be Man Utd manager at the start of the 2026/27 season?
🔮 Let us know who you believe will and should be in charge? Who will Ineos appoint?
Style of play
Carrick’s style of play at United has seen the Red Devils return to a familiar 4-4-2 shape with traditional wide players and Bruno Fernandes supporting a central striker.
Counter-attacking and a fluid front four have been key principles of Carrick’s formation.
As for Nagelsmann’s style of play, the German coach has preferred a 4-2-3-1 shape but has also used a 3-4-3 formation in the past.
Nagelsmann prefers his side to dominate possession and uses a central No.10 playmaker in the heart of his formation.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox