Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is on the brink of being sacked after a disastrous start to the 2026-27 season.
The Red Devils have won only two of their 11 games across all competitions this campaign and suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss to Como in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
It is no surprise that several managers are now linked to the United job but Eddie Howe has emerged as a favourite to replace Carrick.
According to talkSPORT, United technical director Jason Wilcox is leaning towards appointing Howe if Carrick is sacked.
Nagelsmann is reportedly the preferred candidate for the head of recruitment Christopher Vivell, although Sir Jim Ratcliffe could ultimately give greater weight to Wilcox’s recommendation.
Howe left Newcastle United in the summer after spending nearly five years in charge, bringing an end to a transformative spell at St James’ Park.
When he took over, Newcastle were languishing in 19th place in the Premier League, but he quickly steadied the ship and guided them to an 11th-place finish in the 2021-22 campaign.
He subsequently led the Magpies back into the Champions League for the first time since the 2002-03 season.
His biggest success at Newcastle was ending their 56-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025.
The 48-year-old explained in the summer that he was stepping away from management because he wanted to take a break.
A return to the dugout after just three months would be a surprise, particularly if his next challenge involved taking charge of a club facing the immense pressure and scrutiny that come with managing Man United.
Although Howe boasts considerable Premier League experience and has demonstrated his ability to rebuild a struggling side, questions remain over whether he could handle the demands of a club with United’s expectations.
Ratcliffe has had a strong say in the major decisions made at United over the last two years, but he will also give considerable weight to the opinions of Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada.
The Red Devils are next in action against Bournemouth this weekend.
Another damaging result could intensify calls for a managerial change and force INEOS to accelerate their search for a successor.
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