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Manchester United head of scouting Christopher Vivell could find himself at Bayern Munich, after the departure of their current scouting boss.

Nils Schmadtke currently holds the role at the German club, but not for much longer. Bayern announced today that the 37-year-old will be leaving the Allianz Arena. The two parties have “agreed, following constructive discussions, to terminate his employment contract early.”

That will be effective from January 31st next year. And it’s more of a development than it first appears. First and foremost, a close confidant of director of sport Max Eberl will be departing.

Eberl was keen to sing Schmadtke’s praises after the announcement.

“Over the past two years, Nils Schmadtke has been a tremendous support in the areas of scouting and first-team squad planning,” he stated.

“As Head of Scouting, he shaped the department by introducing many new ideas. I would like to thank him for his excellent work and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Exit had been predicted

Bayern Munich

But BILD report that the development has not come as a complete surprise. Their information is that internal criticism of Schmadtke had already surfaced in mid-April. Even then, a potential parting of the ways was being discussed.

His contract was subsequently extended but it appears he has not won over his critics at the club. They’re now turning their attention to his replacement.

BILD report that Manchester United’s Christopher Vivell is considered a potential successor. He and sporting director Christoph Freund know each other very well from their time together in Salzburg.

They still hold each other in high regard. Vivell’s reputation in Germany is stellar after he brought in top stars such as Erling Haaland, Dominik Szoboszlai and Benjamin Sesko. All three eventually shone in Germany before moving to the Premier League.

Manchester United replacement

Now Bayern could have their eye on him as a replacement for Schmadtke. And that would have big consequences for Manchester United.

Reports over the last few weeks have indicated that Vivell is playing a key role behind the scenes when it comes to Michael Carrick’s future. While he has been backed for now, various replacements are being talked about.

Vivell is reportedly a big admirer of Julian Nagelsmann. Sport Witness even reported today that confidence is building in Germany that Nagelsmann will get the Manchester United job eventually. If that was the case, it would be because of Vivell.

But if he ends up at Bayern, that would mean the man backing Nagelsmann would be leaving Old Trafford at a very crucial point. A departure could rock United, and whatever plan they’ve got going behind the scenes.

For now, Vivell is a candidate. Schmadtke’s departure has opened the door, and the Manchester United man is in Bayern’s eyeline.

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