Manchester United appear to be edging closer to sacking head coach Michael Carrick after another disappointing result. Despite insisting he remains determined to turn things around at the club he loves, his future looks increasingly uncertain. United are reportedly exploring replacements, with Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte and Unai Emery among the names linked with the Old Trafford job.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are reportedly targeting Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena and Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl. Chelsea and Liverpool are said to be competing for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, while Liverpool are also monitoring Kylian Mbappe’s situation and have been linked with a sensational move for former defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has emerged as another potential target.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are reportedly interested in Real Madrid forward Endrick as clubs assess their attacking options ahead of future transfer windows. With managerial uncertainty at Old Trafford and several high-profile names attracting interest, the transfer rumour mill continues to gather pace. Follow the latest news, rumours and gossip throughout the day.
Carrick to take charge of Man Utd training
He returned to Carrington on Monday, with no final decision made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Glazers and senior club executives.
Carrick is expected to lead training on Tuesday, but his position for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea remains uncertain. United are reportedly considering Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as possible replacements, while Unai Emery is another name attracting attention.
Financial considerations could influence the decision, with dismissing Carrick and appointing a successor likely to prove costly. United sit 16th in the Premier League, prompting frustration among supporters. The club now faces mounting calls for clarity over Carrick’s future and its wider direction.
Eddie Howe is doing his ‘due diligence’ on Man Utd as Carrick remains on the brink of the sack.
Per reports in The Sun, the former Bournemouth and Newcastle boss has been analysing United’s recent matches as preparation should he get the call-up to take over before this weekend’s trip to Chelsea.
It has previously been reported that he is open to an approach from United as talks surrounding Carrick’s future continue.
Executives leave Carrington
Carrick has also now departed. He was at the training ground today for both future talks and to watch the Under-21s play.
No decision has yet been made public as to whether he will keep his job or be sacked.
Any statement on his future is now not expected to come until the morning.
Why Ratcliffe is leaning towards Howe
This is due to the fact he feels United should be managed by a homegrown coach.
That would rule out several of the other candidates for the job, including Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte.
Ratcliffe must win over his colleagues Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, though, if he is to get Howe’s appointment signed off.
INEOS have put one of Manchester United’s sister clubs up for sale as their sporting investments continue to struggle.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS became minority owners of United in 2023, adding the club to a portfolio of sporting brands which has included OGC Nice, the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team, and a stake in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team.
The company bought Swiss Super League side FC Lausanne-Sport in 2017, marking the birth of their sporting empire, but, per reports from The Athletic, they have now put the club up for sale less than a decade later.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos founder and minority shareholder of Manchester United (Lucy North/PA)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos founder and minority shareholder of Manchester United (Lucy North/PA)
Eddie Howe has already told Manchester United what he needs to become the club's new manager.
Current head coach Michael Carrick's future in the job is looking increasing bleak following back-to-back humbling defeats to Como and Bournemouth.
Carrick is expected to be sacked this week, and Howe is reportedly the first-choice pick of club chief James Wilcox is take the job. Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann are also understood to be among the potential candidates.
However, securing Howe’s services may depend on whether United are prepared to meet his demands behind the scenes.
The 48-year-old has previously demonstrated a determination to work with trusted members of his own coaching team.