Manchester United are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to find the right manager this summer, determined to avoid the missteps that have plagued their recent appointments under INEOS. After a rocky 14-month spell under former head coach Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils turned to caretaker manager Michael Carrick, and the results have been nothing short of impressive.
Carrick has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at Old Trafford, guiding the club to third in the Premier League table after 34 matches. With nine wins and just two losses under his belt, the former midfielder has United on track for a triumphant return to the Champions League next season. While the club plans to name a permanent manager at the end of the campaign, Carrick remains a strong candidate—though his chances could hinge on the future of his assistant, Steve Holland.
But United aren't waiting around. According to TEAMtalk, Carrick has already set his sights on strengthening his backroom team, identifying Bayern Munich assistant manager Aaron Danks as a key target. The report states: "Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Bayern assistant Aaron Danks, with TEAMtalk able to reveal that Michael Carrick wants him as part of his long-term coaching staff should he land the job permanently at Old Trafford."
Danks, who joined Vincent Kompany's staff at the Allianz Arena in 2024, is no stranger to Carrick. The pair worked together at Middlesbrough in December 2022, where Danks quickly became a trusted ally before his move to Germany. His coaching resume is equally impressive, with stints at Aston Villa under Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard, and Unai Emery. Danks has only bolstered his reputation in Bavaria, even stepping into the spotlight earlier this week when Kompany was sent to the stands, leaving Danks to take charge from the sidelines during Bayern's high-stakes clash.
For United, landing Danks could be a masterstroke—a move that not only strengthens Carrick's potential staff but also signals the club's commitment to building a winning culture from the ground up. Whether Carrick stays or goes, the Red Devils are clearly thinking ahead, and Danks might just be the missing piece in their coaching puzzle.
