Manchester United are much less sold' on Eddie Howe than is widely believed to succeed Michael Carrick as manager at Old Trafford
Eddie Howe
Man United are said to be 'less sold' on Eddie Howe
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A fresh candidate to replace Michael Carrick has surfaced amid suggestions that Manchester United harbour reservations about Eddie Howe. Despite the magnificent fightback triumph against Roma in the Champions League, Carrick continues to be under pressure following a dismal beginning to the campaign.
He had been anticipated to face the sack after the 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth before being granted additional time to reverse the club's fortunes following crisis discussions between United's hierarchy. Success against Aston Villa on Sunday ought to secure him more breathing space, while defeat could edge him nearer to the exit.
Several high-profile names have been mentioned in connection with the position, including Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann. Howe is available after departing Newcastle in the summer and would prove a favoured option amongst certain supporters.
Yet according to the Independent, United are 'much less sold' on the former Newcastle United boss than is commonly thought. The same report indicates that Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness is greatly admired, while Nagelsmann's stock has 'significantly dropped'.
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Hoeness's reputation has soared after guiding Stuttgart to Champions League qualification and Germany Cup success since taking over a team facing relegation in 2023. Appointing the 44-year-old would draw comparisons with the recruitment of Ruben Amorim, who was on a comparable upward trajectory with Sporting Clube de Portugal before his troubled stint at Old Trafford.
United are said to be intent on breaking their pattern of interim managers should they choose to move on from Carrick. Temporary appointments have become a recurring solution at Old Trafford in recent years.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer initially came in as a caretaker before securing the full-time position, while Ralf Rangnick was recruited to complete the season after the Norwegian's sacking in November 2021. Carrick himself had a stint as interim boss during the latter half of last season.
United are thought to be less keen on Julian Nagelsmann
United are thought to be less keen on Julian Nagelsmann(Image: Getty)
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Nevertheless, according to Sky Sports, director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada would favour a permanent appointment rather than another stopgap solution if they opt to replace Carrick, who currently retains the club's support.
Carrick is encouraging the squad to capitalise on the confidence-boosting victory over Roma when they take on Villa.
He said: "It was a fantastic night as a one-off night. It was a good night for us all, but nothing has been achieved yet. It's one moment we need to use to move forward.
"When you watch the game [against Roma] back, the first half wasn't so bad. There were moments when we left ourselves short, and we need to fix them.
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"The first half against Chelsea was very good. We're showing signs of improvement, no doubt, and we need to take that forward."