Eddie Howe emerges as leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick's future hangs in the balance as English media speculate about his potential departure, with Eddie Howe emerging as the leading candidate to replace him.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is reportedly on the verge of being sacked by the club, with his performance this season being underwhelming. Carrick took over as manager last season, initially doing well to lead the team into the Champions League. However, this season has been a disaster, with the team struggling to win games. The latest blow came in the form of a 4-1 defeat to Champions League debutant Como on Wednesday.

Eddie Howe, the former Newcastle United manager, is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Carrick. Howe has a proven track record, having led Newcastle to two Champions League titles and winning the first trophy in 56 years in 2025. Howe's appointment may not be without controversy, given the club's history with him. In 2022, the club's former sport director Dan Ashworth wanted to bring Howe to Manchester United, but the club ultimately chose Rúben Amorim instead, leading to Ashworth's departure.

Manchester United has a contract with Carrick until mid-2028, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to see out the remainder of his contract. The club's owner, Jim Ratcliffe, has installed a structure that may not be conducive to the kind of control that some of the other candidates, such as Antonio Conte and Unai Emery, may be looking for.

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