Need to know
After Manchester United were convincingly beaten by Bournemouth, Mirror Football explored the latest odds for who may replace Michael Carrick, in the event he is sacked
Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026 in Manchester, England
Michael Carrick's future at Manchester United is now uncertain(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Eddie Howe is the clear favourite to become the next Manchester United manager, should the Red Devils board decide to sack Michael Carrick. Howe has been out of work since stepping away from Newcastle in July.
Carrick's position has been pushed to the very brink following a dismal 3–0 home defeat to Bournemouth this afternoon. The capitulation in front of a furious home crowd laid bare the squad's complete lack of cohesion, leaving the hierarchy with little choice but to scrutinise his tenure.
His impassioned speech ahead of kick-off, in which he pleaded with his players to run, fight, and show sheer personal responsibility for the badge, went entirely unheeded. Rather than producing the spirited response demanded of them, United appeared lifeless from the first whistle, illustrating how completely his authority has eroded within the dressing room.
Carrick dropped club captain Bruno Fernandes to the substitutes' bench after Fernandes openly questioned the team's tactical approach. Carrick benching the midfield maestro and not even bringing him on as a substitute was a huge statement, but one which did not have the desired effect.
The club have now gone eight consecutive matches in all competitions without winning match, plunging them into their worst start to a league season in four decades. The inability to arrest this alarming slide has stripped away any remaining goodwill, transforming a minor dip into an outright crisis.
United look thoroughly disjointed at both ends of the pitch, offering negligible pressing out of possession and lacking any coherent attacking strategy. The side have developed an agonising habit of surrendering cheap goals whilst struggling to mount any sustained response.
The Old Trafford board are actively exploring managerial alternatives after watching their season derail so comprehensively in both domestic and European fixtures. With an unforgiving fixture list looming, Carrick appears to have run completely out of excuses and time to save his job.
Eddie Howe - 8/13
Julian Nagelsmann - 5/1
Antonio Conte - 10/1
Fabian Hurzeler - 10/1
Thomas Tuchel - 16/1
Kieran McKenna - 16/1
Unai Emery - 16/1
Cesc Fabregas - 16/1
Gareth Southgate - 20/1
Mauricio Pochettino - 25/1
Carlo Ancelotti - 25/1
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - 25/1
Darren Fletcher - 33/1
Roberto Martinez - 33/1