Manchester United face Newcastle United next meaning Michael Carrick will go head-to-head with Eddie Howe on the touchline.
Interim head coach Michael Carrick is looking to extend his unbeaten run to eight games as Manchester United boss when they travel to St James’ Park on Wednesday.
Because of his incredible start, Carrick is a frontrunner for the permanent job which is set to be appointed in the summer by Ineos.
There are as many as 12 managers linked with United, and one of those is current Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Roy Keane providing coverage for the World Cup qualifiers
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Michael Carrick celebrates after the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2026 in Liverpool, England.
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Roy Keane wanted Eddie Howe at Man United
Back in January after Ruben Amorim was sacked, Roy Keane picked Howe as his number one option for United’s next head coach.
“I’d go with Eddie Howe. I like him. I like what he’s done. He’s managed a lot of games; they play good football. I know it’s not for everyone, he’ll have his critics,” Keane said.
“I like what he’s done at Newcastle, even at Bournemouth; he’s still a young man. I love his calmness. I think sometimes Man United needs a little bit of that.”
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Howe has been under pressure at Newcastle this season because the Magpies have dropped down to 13th in the Premier League table, but they have progressed to the last 16 in the Champions League.
Howe is looking to attack United on Wednesday evening, and his high intensity style of play will appeal to United chiefs, but in terms of calmness they already have a top candidate in Michael Carrick.
WOULD you consider Eddie Howe to become Manchester United manager?
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Eddie Howe claps Newcastle fans.
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Michael Carrick has similar attitude to Eddie Howe on touchline
Keane cited Howe’s “calmness” as the top reason for choosing him as his number one head coach option.
Wayne Rooney praised Carrick’s calmness on the touchline, and his cool presence on the sideline is clearly rubbing off on the players.
United players are enjoying Carrick’s coaching and approach to management, and several senior players have already supported the idea of him staying on at Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Nicky Butt predicts whether Michael Carrick will get Man Utd job, Paul Scholes suggests Carlo Ancelotti
Many of United’s top managerial candidates have already dropped out of the race, and Carrick’s run of form means it will be incredibly difficult for Ineos to look elsewhere.
United shouldn’t be interested in Howe and his calm nature when they already have a better option currently sitting in the Old Trafford hotseat.
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