Michael Carrick embraces Pep Guardiola
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester United are seemingly on the cusp of sacking Michael Carrick, with Eddie Howe emerging as the ultimate favourite to take over.
Carrick enjoyed a memorable run after replacing Ruben Amorim in January, guiding the club to a comfortable third-place finish.
However, the Red Devils have been abysmal since the start of the season, only beating Ipswich Town and Sabah in their 12 games across all competitions.
Eddie Howe tops the odds for post-Carrick role at Man Utd
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, acknowledges the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, acknowledges the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
After suffering two humiliating defeats to Como and Bournemouth in the space of four days, most observers believe Carrick’s tenure has reached its expiry date.
In fact, Man Utd’s officials are holding an emergency meeting on Monday, which should decide his fate. The summit includes CEO Omar Berrada, Director of Football Jason Wilcox, and Head of Recruitment Christopher Vivell.
Bruno Fernandes was also spotted at Carrington this morning despite the squad being handed a day off, but it is believed that the captain will undergo medical tests rather than take part in the discussion.
While we await the outcome of the meeting, Man Utd fans are already wondering what’s next.
Berrada and Wilcox are both at Carrington. Intriguingly, so is Fernandes. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) October 26, 2026
At this stage, we can expect a caretaker to handle first-team affairs, similar to Darren Fletcher, who was in charge of two games after Amorim’s sacking, as United aren’t in advanced talks with any manager at the moment, at least based on the most reliable media sources.
Nevertheless, a new head coach will be appointed afterwards, and Oddschecker identify Howe as the big favourite for the role with a 60% probability.
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Next Man Utd manager Odds Implied probability Betting split (bets received today)
Eddie Howe 4/6 60% 35%
Julian Nagelsmann 5/2 29% 16%
Antonio Conte 5/1 17% 18%
Unai Emery 10/1 9% 20%
Kieran McKenna 10/1 9% 2%
Cesc Fabregas 20/1 5% –
Former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann (29%) is second in line, backed by his old RB Leipzig ally, Vivell.
Antonio Conte, who is also unattached, completes the podium at 17%, while Unai Emery, Kieran McKenna, and Cesc Fabregas are also on the list, but with marginal odds.
Why Howe is the favourite for Man United role
Eddie Howe looking on
(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
After solid spells at Bournemouth and Newcastle, Howe has established himself as one of the finest English managers of his generation. Pep Guardiola hailed him as a ‘top-class’ coach.
His departure from the Magpies in July was somewhat shocking considering the timing, but he has now placed himself as an enticing choice for important vacancies.
And since Carrick is the odds-on favourite (1/5) to be the next sacked manager in the Premier League, Howe emerged as a natural candidate for the role, especially with Wilcox eyeing an EPL-proven manager.
Once Carrick’s sacking is official, MUFC directors will have more room to manoeuvre in the managers’ market.
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