Michael Carrick faces increasing uncertainty at Manchester United following a disappointing start to the season, leading the club to actively identify potential successors. Should the board decide to part ways with the head coach, it would mark the eighth permanent appointment for the 20-time English champions since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013. The 20-time English top-flight champions will be looking to appoint their eighth permanent manager or head coach since Sir Alex Ferguson departed the club in 2013 on the back of winning their most recent title, should Carrick be dismissed.
Reports suggest that both Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are leading candidates for the role, and both managers are aware of the interest from the Old Trafford hierarchy. Howe, formerly of Newcastle, is reportedly fully open to taking the position, while Nagelsmann is currently available following the conclusion of his tenure as the Germany national team head coach after the World Cup. According to multiple sources have, Sport that former Newcastle boss Howe is fully open to joining United if Carrick loses his job. Here, Sport takes a closer look at the contenders who could be up for the job.
The club has also explored other high-profile options. Antonio Conte, who recently left Napoli, is currently out of work and has expressed an interest in the vacancy, potentially complicating any pursuit of other candidates. Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is also held in high regard by the United leadership, though his current contractual obligations make a move for him significantly more complex.
With several prominent figures like Howe, Nagelsmann, and Conte currently unattached, the club may find the recruitment process more straightforward than negotiating for managers under existing contracts. The search continues as the organization evaluates its options during this period of instability.
