Julian Nagelsmann has been sounded out as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick as Manchester United boss, talkSPORT understands.
Carrick is under immense pressure in the United dugout after his side were thumped 4-1 by Como in the Champions League – the latest in a string of disappointing results.
The result leaves the Red Devils without a win in seven games in all competitions, with Carrick’s position in charge coming under increased scrutiny.
After the Como defeat, captain Bruno Fernandes appeared to throw the 45-year-old under the bus by criticising his tactics.
With Carrick facing calls for his short-lived reign as permanent boss to be brought to an end, United now appearing to be preparing for life without him too.
Nagelsmann leads list of candidates
Nagelsmann has emerged as a candidate to replace Carrick in recent days as speculation surrounding his future intensifies.
talkSPORT understands the former Bayern Munich manager – who is a free agent after stepping down from his role as Germany boss this summer – has admirers within the Red Devils hierarchy.
The 39-year-old was high in United’s way of thinking before they opted to appoint Carrick on a permanent basis in May.
But with Nagelsmann in charge of Germany at the time, coupled with Carrick’s impressive end to the season as interim boss, this meant that talks between him and United never developed.
talkSPORT also understands Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is seen as an option by United as he has admirers at the club too.
Meanwhile, Premier League title winner Antonio Conte is prepared to take charge of United, having left Napoli in June.
The Italian’s representatives have told Man United they would be keen on the role although the club is yet to express interest in him.
Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is understood to be a candidate who could get the job easily as a free agent.
Howe was wanted by former sporting director Dan Ashworth, although minority owner Jim Ratcliffe pushed back.
Elsewhere, USA boss Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Ipswich head coach Kieran McKenna are outside contenders having been involved in previous processes.
Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi – who guided Inter Milan to league glory and two Champions League finals – could also become available as he finds himself under pressure at Saudi side Al Hilal.
The Italian could be sacked if he fails to beat Al Qadsiah on Friday, although there is no suggestion if Man United are keen, but Inzaghi is open to a Premier League move.
Nagelsmann warning
While Nagelsmann boasts a strong CV from his time in club management at RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, talkSPORT’s Alex Crook recently warned against his appointment at Old Trafford.
Crook was unconvinced by him following his underwhelming exit from the German national team after his side crashed out of the World Cup at the round of 32 stage against Paraguay.
He questioned how the coach might handle a challenging environment at United, highlighted by recent remarks from defender Lisandro Martinez over a lack of recruitment.
talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent said on the latest episode of talkSPORT’s Inside Devils: “You sack another manager, you bring in someone like Nagelsmann, who didn’t cover himself in glory as the Germany boss and he’s also quite a combustible character.
“How’s he going to work with the likes of Jason Wilcox, who seemingly is going nowhere, and Omar Berrada?
“So there’s no guarantee that you change the manager and you get anything other than a short-term impact because that’s what tends to happen whenever a new manager comes in and then the players revert the type.”