Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Manchester United have made a disappointing start to the season and some questions are already being asked of Michael Carrick, who only landed the job on a permanent basis in May.
Man United were the best team in the Premier League between Carrick's initial appointment on an interim basis in January, and the end of the season in May, as they secured an impressive third-place finish.
The 45-year-old would have been hoping to kick on again this season after returning to the group stage of the Champions League, but all three of their major summer signings came in central midfield.
It has left the Red Devils looking short of quality and depth in other areas and especially at full-back, where Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot have largely flattered to deceive so far this term.
Sunday's defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford was clouded in controversy after Pro Ref admitted post-match that Erling Haaland's winning goal shouldn't have counted, but it shouldn't detract from the fact it was another poor performance from the hosts.
United have now lost two of their opening four Premier League matches this term, while beating Ipswich Town 5-2 and drawing 2-2 with Everton.
With the added midweek fixtures in the Champions League that they didn't have last season, things will only get more difficult as the months go on and there are question marks over whether the club has the squad depth to cope.
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Man Utd's Start to Season (PL)
Wins
Draws
Defeats
Goals scored
Goals conceded
The scrutiny on the largely inexperienced Carrick is already beginning, with a new report from Italy on Tuesday claiming that former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is their number one target if they do decide to make a change in the dugout.
The 57-year-old is a free agent following his exit from Napoli in the summer and is a proven title winner, but his record at Tottenham previously is a concern, as well as his fiery character.
While he could give the United players a few home truths, there is a much better option for United in England, who is also available now.
Eddie Howe is Ready-Made for Man United
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe looks on glumly
After almost five years with Newcastle United, Howe decided the time was right to leave the club at the end of last season.
It came after a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw them finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table, as well as being thrashed by Barcelona as they were dumped out of the Champions League.
However, there was also a feeling that Howe wasn't backed as well as he needed to be in the transfer market, with the club also choosing to cash in on Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes over the summer.
What you cannot deny is how the 48-year-old completely transformed Newcastle, having taken over a club that looked destined for the Championship in the 2021-22 season.
Team Record
P W
Bournemouth 102
Burnley 87
Bournemouth 356
Newcastle 231
He took the Magpies from 19th to an 11th-place finish in that campaign, and just 12 months later they qualified for the Champions League after finishing fourth, in a remarkable turnaround.
Howe galvanised the whole club during his early seasons in charge at St James' Park, getting fans out of their seats again following a dismal spell under the leadership of Steve Bruce previously.
He led a team that thrashed Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and drew with Barcelona in the same competition, while he ended the club's 56-year trophy drought as they beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in 2025.
Anthony Elanga sang his praises back in February, at a time when they were struggling for results.
"We know we haven't been perfect. We know there's times when we've played really well, and I think it's just the consistency part. If we can remain consistent, I'm sure results will go our way.
"I think it's important that we continue to play for the manager, because he's done so much for us. He's helped us so much, so it's now up to us to continue to do what we've been doing recently, and just keep on letting the football do the talking."
With his experience in the Premier League and the Champions League, as well as winning a major trophy, Howe has all of the tools to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.
Howe is also well known for creating a strong relationship with his players and a feel-good factor in the dressing room, and that could also be a vital thing for the Red Devils.