Next Man Utd manager: Eddie Howe emerges as leading contender to replace Michael Carrick

Eddie Howe is emerging as the leading contender to be the next Man Utd manager, with Michael Carrick’s departure now viewed inside the club as a matter of when rather than if.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox were at Carrington on Monday to discuss Carrick’s future after Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, which extended United’s winless run to eight games. United sources insist no final decision has been made, but TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey reports that a decision could come within 48 hours.

Any announcement may not be immediate. Because Manchester United are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the club must meet its disclosure obligations before confirming a change of manager.

Eddie Howe: The leading contender

Howe has been out of work since stepping down as Newcastle head coach on 31 July, after almost five years at St James’ Park. He ended the club’s 70-year wait for major silverware with the 2025 Carabao Cup and twice took them into the Champions League.

Wilcox is reported to be Howe’s main supporter at United, and Sky Sports reports that Howe would be interested in talking to the club. According to Bailey, his trusted Newcastle assistants Jason Tindall and Stephen Purches would both be willing to join him at Old Trafford, giving United a ready-made coaching team mid-season.

Julian Nagelsmann: The recruitment team’s choice

Nagelsmann is the other front runner named by Sky Sports, and head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is reported to favour him. The 39-year-old is a free agent after stepping down as Germany head coach in July, following their World Cup last-32 exit on penalties against Paraguay. He previously managed Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim.

Antonio Conte: Available and interested

Conte has been out of work since leaving Napoli in May and has made clear he is open to a mid-season return with a major club. He has reportedly turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Sky Sports reports United have considered him, but he is not thought to be a favourite.

Next Man Utd manager: The longer shots

• Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton): Highly rated by United, but Brighton are third in the Premier League.
• Unai Emery (Aston Villa): Considered, but under contract and established at Villa.
• Cesc Fabregas (Como): Como beat United 4-1 in the Champions League last week, but Fabregas is considered highly unlikely to leave mid-season.

All three would be difficult to prise away mid-season and would come with compensation costs. That is one reason why Howe, who is available now and could arrive with his own staff, is seen as the most practical option.

Why Carrick is under pressure

Carrick took over as interim head coach in January and earned a two-year deal after an impressive spell. But United have now gone eight games without a win in all competitions, including the 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como, and sit 16th, one point above the relegation zone. His decision to drop captain Bruno Fernandes for the Bournemouth game added to the scrutiny.

Read more on the Premier League sack race, our report on Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, and how Marco Rose’s Bournemouth took Old Trafford apart.