Manchester United have earmarked Julian Nagelsmann as a future Old Trafford manager.

Sportsmail has learned United have begun doing their groundwork on RB Leipzig's highly-rated young boss Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann is just 32 but already on his second top-flight job in Germany and earning admirers at struggling Premier League giants United.

Manchester United have earmarked Julian Nagelsmann as a future Old Trafford manager

While pressure is building on current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now, Sportsmail understands United currently have Nagelsmann down as one to watch for further down the line. But the process of gathering information on him is well underway.

Nagelsmann eventually turned to coaching after seeing his playing career at Augsburg cut short by injury aged 20.

The promise he quickly showed as a coach earned him the nickname 'Baby Mourinho.'

Nagelsmann became the youngest manager in Bundesliga history when he was appointed by Hoffenheim at 28.

RB Leipzig's highly-rated boss Nagelsmann is just 32 but already in his second top-flight job

He led them from second bottom to well clear of safety after taking over in February 2016, fourth and into the Champions League for the first time in his first full campaign the following year and then third in 2017-18.

Having been knocked out in the play-offs by Liverpool in 2017-18, their third-placed league finish earned Hoffenheim a Champions League group stage place for the first time ever.

Nagelsmann's managerial rise continued when he took over at RB Leipzig in June.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is feeling the heat after United's worst start to a season in 30 years

Leipzig are currently fifth in the Bundesliga, just two points off early-season leaders Borussia Monchengladbach.

Nagelsmann is tied to Leipzig until 2023 and United plan to continue doing their due diligence on one of European football's rising managerial stars as his career develops.

Meanwhile, Solskjaer is feeling the heat after overseeing United's worst start to a season in 30 years.

And the Norwegian fears a big defeat in his side's next outing after the international break at home to Liverpool could leave him facing the chop.