Manchester United are monitoring Bayern Munich assistant coach Aaron Danks as a primary target to join Michael Carrick’s permanent backroom staff, according to reports from TEAMtalk. Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim in January 2024, has moved the club into third place in the Premier League during his interim spell, winning nine of his first 13 matches. The pursuit of Danks signals an attempt to reunite a coaching partnership that proved successful at Middlesbrough, as the United hierarchy look to formalise the current technical setup ahead of next season.
Carrick’s push for a familiar tactical partner
Danks is understood to be Carrick’s preferred choice for a senior coaching role, having served as his assistant at Middlesbrough for 19 months before moving to Germany. During their time together at the Riverside, the pair oversaw a significant tactical shift that lead the club into the Championship play-offs. Danks left for Bayern Munich in June 2024 to join Vincent Kompany’s staff, where his stock has continued to rise; he recently managed touchline operations for the German giants during a Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain while Kompany served a suspension. Speaking on Danks’ capabilities, Kompany told reporters he has "100% confidence" in the 41-year-old’s experience on the English touchline.
Squad stability and the INEOS restructure
The potential appointment of Danks would add further elite experience to a coaching ticket that currently includes Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate. Carrick has successfully stabilised the first team following Amorim’s exit, with winger Amad Diallo telling Goal that the manager "knows the club and has the DNA" required for the role. However, journalist Andy Mitten noted on the Talk of the Devils podcast that the team has yet to fully adopt Carrick's preferred style of play, suggesting a dedicated pre-season and his own staff are required to complete the transition. The move for Danks aligns with the broader restructuring led by INEOS, though any deal would likely require a compensation package for a coach whose current Bayern contract is reported to run until 2029.
United require just two points from their final four domestic fixtures to guarantee Champions League qualification before the board is expected to clarify the permanent managerial situation.