Julian Nagelsmann has reportedly been identified as the leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag as the manager of Manchester United by new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Earlier this week, Man United officially confirmed that Ratcliffe has completed his acquisition of a 27.7% stake, which includes overseeing the club's football operations, while the Glazer family will continue to hold the majority stake in the 20-time English champions.
Ratcliffe addressed the media following the announcement, and while he did express his ambitious goals for the club, including aspirations to surpass Liverpool and Manchester City, he did not provide confirmation regarding the future of Ten Hag as manager.
Earlier this season, the Dutchman's position was called into question due to a notable decline in results, but four consecutive wins in the Premier League this month somewhat alleviated that pressure.
However, the United boss appears to be back in the firing line, criticised for his squad selection and tactics, after his side were beaten 2-1 by Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday.
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According to SportsZone, Nagelsmann has been interested in the prospect of managing Man United since last summer, and it appears that he might have the opportunity to do so, as the German is believed to be INEOS's top target.
The 36-year-old was widely considered one of the most promising young coaches in Europe during his tenure at RB Leipzig, with the team playing some of the most exciting football on the continent at the time.
Bayern Munich quickly recruited him for a world-record managerial fee, and during his tenure, he won the Bundesliga and two DFL-Supercups.
However, he was dismissed the following season and replaced by Thomas Tuchel, despite his team being only a point behind Borussia Dortmund in the standings at the time.
Currently, Nagelsmann is managing the German national team and is preparing to lead them in the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
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With his contract slated to expire after the European Championships this summer, Nagelsmann could potentially become available for new managerial opportunities thereafter.
Several other names have also been linked to the Man United managerial position, including Graham Potter, Julen Lopetegui, Roberto de Zerbi and Francesco Farioli.
In addition, Tuchel has also reportedly expressed his interest in the role following the announcement that he will be leaving Bayern at the end of the current campaign.
United currently sit sixth in the Premier League standings with 44 points after 26 matches and they are now eight points behind Aston Villa, who are in the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot.
The Red Devils will be back in action in midweek when they head to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Devesh Jaganath
