Carrick under pressure at United, Howe as main successor
It does not seem unimaginable that Michael Carrick will miss Christmas as manager of Manchester United, as the club has performed doubtfully under his leadership and English media are already sorting before his departure at United, with a string of defeats, including a 4-1 loss to debutant Como, and a thirteenth-place standing in the Premier League.
Poor results under Carrick
This season is going nowhere; United suffered a painful 4-1 defeat against the Champions League‑debutant Como and has already gone seven games without a win in all competitions. In the Premier League, the team currently sits in thirteenth place, which has increased dissatisfaction among fans and the press. According to The Athletic, Eddie Howe is the leading candidate to succeed Carrick. Howe has been without a club since his departure from Newcastle United this summer, has won the Champions League twice with the Geordies and secured the first prize in 56 years in 2025. He announced a break this summer, but the newspapers expect him to abandon that break if United signs him.
Dan Ashworth, former sporting director, wanted to bring Howe to Manchester United earlier, but the club at the time chose Rúben Amorim, after which Ashworth packed his bags. Another name in the race is Julian Nagelsmann; Christopher Vivell, the German head of scouting, would most like to bring his compatriot to Old Trafford, but a final decision still needs to be approved by Jason Wilcox, director of player policy.
Manchester United under Carrick face manager hunt as pressure mounts
Antonio Conte has shown interest, but wants guarantees for sufficient authority within the club; The Athletic reports that United’s hierarchy views Conte’s explosive nature as risky. Unai Emery, under contract at Aston Villa, could also come to United, but he demands control over his staff, which clashes with the structure set up by owner Jim Ratcliffe. The name of Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler is also mentioned, although Brighton hopes to retain the young German.
For now Carrick retains the confidence of the Man‑leadership, but that could change quickly. If the Englishman, who played 464 matches for the Mancunians as a player, has to leave, there is still little consensus within the club about who should replace him.