Manchester United are reportedly considering Eddie Howe as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick as pressure continues to mount on the current manager following a disappointing run of results. The former Newcastle United boss has emerged as a leading candidate for the Old Trafford job, with the club’s hierarchy believed to be assessing possible alternatives should they decide to make a managerial change.
According to reports published on October 23, 2026, Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox favours Howe because of his experience in the Premier League and his ability to rebuild a team. However, the club has not officially announced an appointment, and Carrick remains in charge for the time being.
The situation has attracted considerable attention among supporters, with many questioning whether a change in leadership could help restore the club’s competitiveness.
Eddie Howe Emerges as a Leading Candidate
Eddie Howe has become one of the prominent names linked with the Manchester United managerial position. The English coach is currently available after leaving Newcastle United during the summer, making him a potentially attractive option for a club searching for a new direction.
Howe established himself as one of England’s respected managers through his work at Bournemouth and Newcastle. His ability to organise a team, develop players and build a competitive squad has earned him recognition throughout English football.
His achievements at Newcastle have particularly strengthened his reputation. During his time at St James’ Park, Howe helped transform the club into a side capable of challenging established Premier League teams and competing in European football.
He also guided Newcastle to the 2025 Carabao Cup, ending the club’s long wait for a major domestic trophy.
These achievements are understood to be among the reasons Manchester United’s decision-makers are considering him as a possible successor to Carrick.
According to recent reports, Wilcox believes Howe’s familiarity with English football could make him a suitable candidate for the demanding position at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, the reported preference does not mean an agreement has been reached, and United must still decide whether replacing Carrick is the right course of action.
Michael Carrick Under Increasing Pressure
Carrick’s position has become increasingly uncertain following Manchester United’s disappointing performances during the 2026/27 campaign.
The former United midfielder was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the team, but the results have not met expectations. Supporters have become frustrated with the club’s inconsistent displays, while questions have emerged about the team’s tactical approach and ability to compete against stronger opposition.
The situation became more difficult following Manchester United’s humiliating 4-1 defeat against Como in the Champions League.
The result intensified criticism of the team’s performances and raised further questions about Carrick’s future.
Captain Bruno Fernandes also attracted attention after expressing concerns about the team’s tactical approach following the defeat. Such public criticism has added another layer of uncertainty to an already difficult situation.
However, Carrick has not officially been dismissed, and Manchester United are reportedly considering their options before making a final decision.
The club must determine whether the problems are primarily related to the manager’s tactics, the players’ performances, squad construction or a combination of these factors.
Changing managers could provide a fresh start, but it would not automatically resolve every problem affecting the team.
Why Manchester United Could Choose Eddie Howe
One of the biggest reasons Howe could appeal to Manchester United is his experience of managing in the Premier League.
Unlike a coach arriving from another country without previous experience in English football, Howe understands the competition’s physical demands, tactical variety and intense schedule.
His work at Bournemouth demonstrated his ability to develop a team with limited resources, while his Newcastle spell showed that he could guide a club with greater ambitions towards domestic trophies and Champions League qualification.
Manchester United need a manager capable of improving performances while also developing a long-term strategy.
Howe’s teams have generally been associated with energetic football, coordinated pressing and a willingness to attack. Those qualities could appeal to supporters who want to see United return to a more aggressive and entertaining style.
He could also be tasked with improving the organisation of the midfield, strengthening the defensive structure and helping the club’s attacking players become more effective.
United have talented individuals in their squad, but the challenge is to make those players operate consistently as a collective.
A manager with a clear tactical identity could help establish that consistency.
Howe would also arrive with experience of handling pressure, managing high-profile players and competing for major objectives.
These qualities could make him an attractive candidate if the club’s leadership concludes that Carrick can no longer turn the situation around.
The Challenge of Managing Manchester United
Despite his achievements, Howe would face an enormous challenge if he were appointed Manchester United manager.
Managing Newcastle and managing Manchester United are very different experiences. At Old Trafford, expectations are considerably higher, and every disappointing result can generate intense scrutiny.
United supporters expect their team to challenge for the Premier League title, compete strongly in Europe and regularly qualify for the Champions League.
A new manager would therefore have little time to establish himself before being judged on results.
Howe would need to win the confidence of the dressing room, establish his preferred playing style and convince supporters that the club is moving in the right direction.
He would also have to work closely with the club’s recruitment department to identify weaknesses in the squad.
Manchester United have previously invested heavily in players without consistently achieving the expected results. A successful rebuilding project would require greater consistency in recruitment and a clear understanding of the manager’s tactical requirements.
Howe’s experience at Newcastle could prove useful, but he would still need support from the club’s leadership to implement his ideas.
Without a coordinated strategy between the manager, sporting department and owners, even an experienced coach could struggle to deliver sustained success.
Julian Nagelsmann and Other Candidates Remain in the Picture
Although Howe has reportedly gained support from Wilcox, he is not the only manager being considered as a possible replacement for Carrick.
Julian Nagelsmann has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, with reports suggesting that Manchester United recruitment chief Christopher Vivell appreciates the German coach’s qualities.
Nagelsmann would offer a different managerial profile, bringing experience in European football and a reputation for tactical flexibility.
Unai Emery has also been linked with the position, although persuading Aston Villa to release their manager could prove expensive.
Antonio Conte is another experienced coach whose name has appeared in discussions about the vacancy.
The presence of several candidates demonstrates that Manchester United must carefully consider the type of manager they want before making a final decision.
The club needs more than a temporary improvement in results. It requires a coach who can build a sustainable team, improve recruitment decisions and restore confidence throughout the organisation.
Howe’s reported backing from Wilcox could give him an advantage, but disagreements within the club’s decision-making structure could influence the final outcome.
What Eddie Howe Could Change at Old Trafford
If Howe eventually replaces Carrick, one of his first priorities would likely be improving Manchester United’s defensive organisation and midfield balance.
The heavy defeat against Como highlighted the need for greater discipline, better coordination and more consistent performances across the team.
Howe would also need to assess the squad’s attacking options and determine how best to use players such as Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes remains an important creative presence, but the team needs a tactical system that allows its attacking players to contribute without leaving the midfield exposed.
Howe’s approach could involve greater pressing intensity, quicker transitions and a more organised defensive shape.
He would also have to decide which young players deserve opportunities and which areas require additional investment during the January transfer window.
However, supporters should not expect an immediate transformation. Building a competitive side takes time, particularly when a new manager inherits a squad experiencing poor form and uncertainty.
The most important early objective would be to restore confidence, improve consistency and ensure that players understand their responsibilities.
Could Carrick Be Sacked Soon?
Manchester United’s next decisions could be crucial to Carrick’s future.
The club has reportedly started examining potential replacements, but identifying candidates does not necessarily mean that an immediate dismissal has been decided.
Carrick is expected to remain in charge for the upcoming match against Bournemouth, giving him an opportunity to improve the situation.
A strong performance could help him regain some confidence from the club’s leadership, while another disappointing result could increase pressure for a change.
The board must also consider the financial and sporting consequences of appointing another manager during the season.
Bringing in Howe would represent a significant decision, particularly if the club believes he can lead a long-term rebuilding project.
Ultimately, the result of the next few matches could influence how urgently United pursue their alternatives.
Conclusion
Eddie Howe has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United, with reports suggesting that director of football Jason Wilcox views the former Newcastle manager as a strong option.
Howe’s Premier League experience, Newcastle achievements and ability to build competitive teams make him an appealing candidate for a club searching for stability.
Nevertheless, Manchester United have not officially confirmed his appointment, and Carrick remains in charge while the club considers its options.
If United eventually decide to make a change, Howe could be given the opportunity to lead another major rebuilding project.
For now, supporters will be watching closely to see whether Carrick can turn around the team’s fortunes or whether the club’s leadership decides that a new manager is needed to restore Manchester United’s ambitions.
