Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match
Michael Carrick’s future as Manchester United manager is becoming increasingly uncertain after yet another barren run of results across all competitions.
The Red Devils have now failed to win any of their last seven games, which has seen the club fall to 13th in the Premier League and 21st in the Champions League.
Their last win in any competitive meeting came against Sabah on the 10th of September, a run which has seen Carrick’s side fail to secure a victory in 43 days.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks dejected after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks dejected after the match
Such a lack of quality on the pitch has ramped up the pressure on the manager, which could see him possibly being replaced by a former Premier League boss.
Why Howe could be the man to replace Carrick at United
A whole host of names have been touted with taking the reins at Old Trafford should Carrick be sacked, but no names have been mentioned as frequently as Eddie Howe.
The former Newcastle boss has been a free agent since July after departing the Magpies, with the 48-year-old no doubt looking to get himself back into management.
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He would be an excellent appointment for the Red Devils, and one that would fit the brief of any manager selected to lead the club into the next generation.
For many years, United have been way below the standards expected from the supporters and have often finished outside the Premier League’s top six in recent seasons.
As for Howe, he entered St James’ Park and dragged the Magpies from a relegation-threatened squad and transformed them into consistent top-four contenders.
The Englishman would need to work closely with some of the higher-ups to land the players he desires, but there’s no denying he has the experience of taking a club back to their former glory.
His ability as a free agent will certainly play into any move to secure his services, but it remains to be seen if he is the hierarchy’s number one managerial target.
How Man Utd can land a better manager than Howe to replace Carrick
Despite the continued links to a deal between United and Howe, other names continue to remain in the frame over the possibility of taking over from the under-pressure Carrick.
Antonio Conte has been mentioned as another alternative, but it’s safe to say the rumours about the Italian have failed to impress supporters who are sceptical about him taking the reins.
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Julian Nagelsmann is another name who remains in the frame, with Christopher Vivell personally wanting to replace Carrick with the former Bayern Munich boss.
However, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is another name who remains in their sights, with The Guardian’s Jamie Jackson providing the latest on a possible deal.
He claims that the Spaniard has been admired by staff behind the scenes in Manchester in recent times, but no official move has been made to appoint him at Old Trafford.
Any deal for the 54-year-old would be an expensive one for the Red Devils, as the Villans are set to demand a £20m compensation package to allow him to depart the West Midlands.
Such a deal may seem like an expensive one, but it would be one that’s worth every penny, with Emery a proven Premier League manager who can lead the club back to success.
A move for Howe would be a cost-effective one for the Red Devils, and one they should avoid in the near future, with the board needing to pull out all the stops for the Villa man.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts-3
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts-3
When comparing his stats in England’s top-flight to those of the former Newcastle boss, it’s clear who the better appointment would be despite the mega difference in compensation.
Emery has managed 112 fewer games than the Englishman in the Premier League, but has managed to secure 19 points more during their respective periods at the helm.
The Spaniard has also achieved a 55% win rate throughout his 284 games in such a division, which has seen him achieve a better points-per-game record in due course.
Emery & Howe's record in the PL
Statistic
Matches managed
Wins
Draws
Losses
Win percentage
Points
Points per game
As a result, he’s led Villa to the Champions League on countless occasions, whilst even being able to secure the Europa League title during the previous campaign.
Such success hasn’t gone unnoticed in recent times, as pundit Simon Jordan has heaped praise on him lately - dubbing him as “the best manager in the Premier League.”
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery celebrates after winning the UEFA Europa League
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery celebrates after winning the UEFA Europa League
The £20m deal would be one of the most expensive deals to secure a manager in the division’s history, but it would be a move worth making given his success over recent times.
Howe would be a solid option for the Red Devils, but if the hierarchy are to be ambitious and secure silverware - a move for Emery should be a no-brainer if Carrick departs.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick arrives at the stadium ahead of the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick arrives at the stadium ahead of the match