Man United consider Bayern coach Aaron Danks as Michael Carrick faces uncertain future
Manchester United/X.com
Danks has attracted attention following his temporary promotion to Bayern's first-team coaching position while Vincent Kompany has been unavailable through illness.
The Englishman has taken charge of seven competitive matches during Kompany's absence, recording five victories and two draws. His performances have reportedly impressed Manchester United, who are considering whether he could provide valuable additional support to Carrick.
United are exploring the possibility of bringing another assistant coach to Old Trafford if they decide to retain their current manager.
Danks is understood to be an attractive candidate because of his previous working relationship with Carrick. The pair were together at Middlesbrough between 2022 and 2024, giving the United manager an established understanding of the coach's methods and qualities.
Danks subsequently moved to Bayern in 2024, joining Kompany's coaching staff and becoming an important member of the German club's backroom operation.
His recent opportunity to assume greater responsibility has further raised his profile, with United reportedly believing his experience and coaching qualities could complement Carrick's existing staff.
However, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation at Old Trafford, meaning any potential appointment would depend on the club's decision about Carrick.
United's season has deteriorated significantly, with the team enduring a lengthy winless run and finding themselves in the Premier League relegation zone after 10 matches.
The situation has prompted discussions about whether Carrick should remain in charge beyond the international break. Several possible replacements have already been mentioned, including Sebastian Hoeneß, Julian Nagelsmann, Didier Deschamps, Eddie Howe, Fabian Hürzeler and Antonio Conte.
Mauricio Pochettino has also emerged as a prominent candidate. The Evening Standard has reported that the current United States national team coach is among the leading contenders should United decide to make a managerial change.
Pochettino previously managed Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea and is believed to be open to a return to the Premier League, despite recently extending his contract with the United States through 2030.
Carrick, however, has made it clear that he has no intention of voluntarily leaving his position.
Following United's dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, the manager was asked whether he would consider stepping aside.
“No, that will not happen,” he replied.
Carrick subsequently insisted that he remained committed to improving the team's performances.
“We have not won enough games, but I expect us to continue working hard, improving and winning matches.”
For now, Danks represents a potential solution if United decide that Carrick needs additional coaching support rather than replacing him altogether.
Whether the Bayern Munich assistant would be willing to leave his position in Munich is another matter, particularly after his impressive temporary spell in charge.
The coming discussions during the international break could therefore prove decisive for both Carrick's future and United's plans for their coaching department.