Howe linked as Vivell may leave United

Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is being linked with the Manchester United job.

Stephen Killen, Senior Sports Content Creator, and Mark Wakefield, Sport Central Audience Writer compiled the report.

Vivell’s possible departure and its impact

Manchester United chief Christopher Vivell could be offered a new role, a development that could hand a boost to Eddie Howe’s chances of securing the manager’s job.

United’s head of scouting is reported to be wanted by Bayern Munich, a move that could affect United’s choice if Michael Carrick fails to retain his position.

Nils Schmadtke is expected to leave Bayern at the end of January after both parties agreed to end his contract, potentially opening the door for Vivell to link up with Bayern chief Max Eberl.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund, who previously worked with Vivell at Salzburg, is said to be under consideration to replace Schmadtke at United, despite the club’s recent patchy transfer record.

United plan to keep Michael Carrick in charge until at least the November international break, although boardroom discussions about contingency plans and possible replacements have already begun.

Vivell is reported to have championed Julian Nagelsmann’s qualities and pushed for him as the top target, while director of football Jason Wilcox is said to favour Eddie Howe for the role.

Should Vivell depart, it would likely influence how Julian Nagelsmann views the prospect of taking the job, given that the United chief remains his most vocal supporter at the club.

Consequently, Vivell’s exit could make it more likely that United turn to Eddie Howe or another manager if Michael Carrick leaves Old Trafford.

United’s comeback proves squad fighting for Michael Carrick

Managerial speculation and United’s recent form

Michael Carrick’s future as United boss has been the subject of speculation for several weeks, with Eddie Howe named among a few candidates as a potential replacement.

Former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has also been mentioned as a possible successor to Carrick, but the latest update would give a boost to Howe’s chances ahead of him.

Michael Carrick finds himself under mounting pressure, with United sitting outside the Premier League relegation zone only on goal difference.

Their Champions League form has suffered defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como, and AS Roma threaten further disappointment when they meet United on Tuesday.

The man currently occupying the hot seat at the Theatre of Dreams faced intense scrutiny after a 3‑0 home defeat to Bournemouth last Sunday.

He retained his position for Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge, which ended in a 2‑0 loss.

Sky Germany reported that 39‑year‑old Julian Nagelsmann features on the shortlist to succeed Michael Carrick and could head to the Premier League, after links to Turkish and Italian clubs were dismissed.

Carrick future uncertain despite United win

Christopher Vivell has also been linked with a departure from United.

German football expert Marcel Reif predicted that Nagelsmann is eager to take on the role.

“If he doesn’t have the nerve to do it, I won’t know what to make of the world anymore. I’d be really surprised if he were suddenly to shy away from the limelight. You can’t start from scratch there, you have to start from below zero. I think it’ll be Nagelsmann. He’s got a good reputation, and he’s ready.”

Reif added that “Michael Carrick isn’t a manager there anymore, but a caretaker until negotiations with the man who’s set to take over are concluded. They just can’t seem to sort it out.”

He also remarked that “Their ambitions aren’t just to catch a glimpse of Brighton and Hove Albion through binoculars. United used to be a predictable force. But they’ve got everything wrong since Sir Alex Ferguson. Just look at all the managers who’ve been there: Van Gaal, Mourinho – they’ve all been there. But since Ferguson, nobody’s managed to get it right.”

Antonio Conte, Unai Emery and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler have also been linked with the Manchester United job.