Eddie Howe is being mentioned as a potential successor to Michael Carrick at Manchester United, should the Old Trafford board part ways with him
Eddie Howe reacts
Eddie Howe has been linked with the Manchester United job(Image: David Davies/PA Wire)
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Eddie Howe will likely demand stability for Manchester United, in the event that the club reaches out to him as a successor to Michael Carrick. It's been a poor start to the season for the Reds, who sit 16th in the Premier League standings with just one win from their opening eight matches.
Carrick has also failed to inspire victory in any of the last eight matches across all competitions, which have included 2-0 and 4-1 losses to Atletico Madrid and Como respectively in the Champions League. As a result, the 45-year-old faces mounting pressure at Old Trafford, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe expected to fly in to watch Saturday's 12/30pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
A loss there could see the board part ways with Carrick, given how relentlessly they have historically sacked underperforming head coaches as of late. If the Englishman is sent packing, a number of potential successors have cropped up in speculation.
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Alongside Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann, Howe has also had his name brought up in conversation thanks to his recent exploits with Newcastle United. The 48-year-old has been a free agent since his exit from St James' Park this summer and is widely considered the greatest English manager in the game at present - having guided the Magpies to consistent Champions League football and the 2025 Carabao Cup with limited resources.
However, United may not be able to offer Howe what he will demand to take up tenure in Greater Manchester. The seasoned head coach will insist on working with trusted members of his tight-knit circle, including long-time left-hand man, Jason Tindall.
That caused conflict in the past, with Celtic reaching an impasse with Howe back in 2021 when they considered him for Neil Lennon's role. Speaking to the Athletic the following year, Howe said: "I felt that if I was to come into a pressured job like [Celtic], I needed to go in with a sense of stability.
"I could have recruited new staff, but then you're working each other out and there's a transition process where it probably takes three, four, five months. That's five months too late. I needed my staff with me and we couldn't get them together."
Michael Carrick in training
Michael Carrick is feeling the heat at Manchester United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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It could mean that Howe will demand that his trusted coaching staff also follow him to United if he decides to take up the role, to give him the best possible chance of success at the club.
That could prove problematic, considering the group of staff currently assisting Carrick. Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion and Craig Mawson arrived at the club with Carrick in January, and are set to remain until 2028.
Laying those men off could financially impact the club during an era when Ratcliffe's Reds are hellbent on cutting costs across the board.
The decision to sack Carrick could also set United back north of £10 million, and appointing his successor is also bound to cost the club further.