Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith believes Man Utd should seriously consider hiring former Bayern Munich and Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann to replace Michael Carrick.

Eddie Howe is the bookies’ favourite, and he would be tasked with implementing a cultural reset at Old Trafford, but Nagelsmann has more experience managing big clubs, and speaking exclusively to Man U News (courtesy of Best Betting Sites UK), Smith said that the 39-year-old’s “big personality” may make him the “better” choice for the job:

“I mean, fixing the culture is a bit of a long-term job and objective, isn’t it? It’s so difficult for any manager coming in when you’ve got the hierarchy above him. He’s not going to be able to change that. As a new manager coming in, you can make certain demands.”

“Julian Nagelsmann, he’s got more experience, hasn’t he, in terms of managing Bayern Munich and the monster that that is. He didn’t last long there, a year and a half, but he’s had that experience, and of course managing Germany as well. I love Eddie Howe, but I just wonder whether Nagelsmann would be the better fit, actually. A big personality, really, and somebody that’s managed an elite club.”

Is Carrick on the verge of the sack?

The 45-year-old will be in charge to face Roma this evening, and regardless of the result, he is likely to be in the hot seat for the Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday as well.

Any change of manager is expected to happen in the next international break. It will give INEOS and the board the time they need to make an informed decision

Man Utd are set to choose between Howe and Nagelsmann

If the board do opt to make a change in the dugout, it is expected to be a straight choice between two candidates.

Howe is the pick of Director of Football Jason Wilcox, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is tipped to back that appointment due to his preference for a homegrown manager.

However, Nagelsmann does have strong backing from Head of Recruitment Christopher Vivell, whom he worked with at RB Leipzig.

Nagelsmann could still end up being the preferred candidate if Vivell lobbies hard enough for his appointment.