Michael Carrick's chances of landing the Manchester United job on a permanent basis took a big hit as they were beaten 2-1 by relegation-threatened Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Man United had the opportunity to pull 10 points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea in the table, knowing that a top-five finish is enough to secure qualification for the Champions League next season.
However, they were poor throughout the clash against Daniel Farke's impressive Leeds side, and had Lisandro Martinez sent off in the second half for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair.
The Red Devils still remain in a strong position to finish in the top five after Chelsea were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City on Sunday, but it means they have a bit more pressure on them going into the final half-a-dozen matches as Liverpool got back to winning ways on Saturday.
Carrick had been in pole position to be named as Ruben Amorim's permanent successor at Old Trafford, but his own hopes may have taken a dent with United chiefs ready to speak to other candidates this month.
United Set to Open Talks With Nagelsmann
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann during a press conference
According to GIVEMESPORT sources, United decision-makers are set to begin outreach to speak to Carrick alternatives this month.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is one of the managers of interest who they are set to make a 'formal' approach to, with he and Carrick above someone like USA manager Mauricio Pochettino on the Red Devils' shortlist, GMS understands.
Nagelsmann is open to taking a job back at a club side following the conclusion of the World Cup, and he wants to manage in the Premier League.
GMS previously revealed that Portugal coach Roberto Martinez had been spoken about internally as a potential option too, although a separate report this weekend suggested that Carrick and Nagelsmann were the two favoured candidates.
Fabrizio Romano revealed last week that Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique is a dream appointment for one senior official at United, but the Spaniard remains in talks with the French club over extending his stay at the Parc des Princes.
Nagelsmann is Better Than Carrick
Julian Nagelsmann coaching the German national team
While Carrick has largely been outstanding for United and been the driving force behind their rise into the top four, performances like the one against Leeds do raise doubts over his long-term suitability to the role.
The hosts were completely outplayed by the Premier League strugglers in the first half at Old Trafford, and they should have found themselves down by more than the 2-0 scoreline.
Despite being just 38 years of age, Nagelsmann has already taken charge of one of the biggest clubs in Europe, as well as one of the biggest nations in world football, and he is hugely respected.
He has experience of managing in the Champions League, including taking RB Leipzig to the semi-finals, and has been labelled as a tactical 'genius'.
Given his desire to manage in the Premier League, United could have a free run at securing his services this summer, unless Liverpool decide to sack Arne Slot, or Pep Guardiola leaves Manchester City.
It remains to be seen if there are any doubts over the future of Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, should they not win a trophy, or Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, but United should take advantage while their position is clear and land a manager who is a better appointment than Carrick for the long-term.