Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have emerged as the leading candidates to replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager, with the Red Devils expected to make an imminent change in the Old Trafford dugout due to recent struggles on the pitch.

The north-west outfit have won just two of their 12 matches across all competitions this season, and currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just a point above the relegation zone.

Carrick is subsequently expected to lose his job in the coming days, with the United hierarchy already weighing up potential successors to the former midfielder.

Antonio Conte has reportedly been approached about the role in recent weeks, while Fabian Hurzeler has informed the English giants that he's not interested in swapping Brighton for Manchester.

In the last few days, it's been revealed that Howe, who has been out of a job since leaving Newcastle in the summer, and Nagelsmann, who has been unemployed since parting ways with the German national team after the World Cup, are the two frontrunners.

However, United should look further afield and make a more ambitious approach for one of the world's top coaches.

Man Utd Need to Appoint Thomas Tuchel

Back in January, legendary United striker Wayne Rooney urged his old club to approach Thomas Tuchel about taking over at Old Trafford (via the Mirror).

"[Thomas] Tuchel is the one for me. He knows the Premier League, has won trophies. He is doing well at England. Time will tell."

Rooney isn't the only United legend who has advocated for Tuchel's appointment. Paul Scholes lauded the German manager earlier this year, labelling him 'one of the very best out there'.

"Number one for me, which I'd do in the summer, is Thomas Tuchel all day long," Scholes said back in March on the Good, the Bad & the Football Podcast.

"I think Tuchel is one of the very best out there. He'd be my number one target, and his contract with England is only until the summer."

While both ex-players' arguments were grounded in the belief that Tuchel would leave his position as Three Lions boss after the World Cup, his decision to renew his contract until after the 2028 Euros shouldn't deter United from attempting to poach him.

Tuchel has demonstrated his tactical acumen over the years, enjoying success with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund. He's also shown throughout his tenure as England manager that he is capable of controlling a dressing room full of egos and taking a stance against the big characters in the squad.

He's been firm in his stance on the likes of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden, both of whom have been left out of many of Tuchel's Three Lions squads for inconsistent club performances.

Given Bruno Fernandes recently spoke out against Carrick's tactics, and Lisandro Martinez vented his frustrations about the technical director's squad-building, United are clearly in need of a no-nonsense disciplinarian who can take control of the chaotic environment within the Red Devils' ensemble.

Tuchel fits the bill, while there are question marks around Howe and Nagelsmann in that sense, even if both have shown themselves to be credible coaches tactically.

United also have the players to play Tuchel's press and possess football. While they may need to acquire attackers who are more equipped to unlock low blocks, they have the possession-passers and counter-pressing players to quickly adopt the German's style.

As for Howe and Nagelsmann, it's questionable whether United's set of players are well suited to both of their high-octane, energetic pressing styles. The likes of Fernandes and Matheus Cunha are unlikely to respond to either managers' intensity, while Tuchel has the capacity to adapt to the talent he has at his disposal.

It may not be possible for United to convince Tuchel to swap St. George's Park for Carrington, but they have to at least try.