Wilcox backs Eddie Howe as United’s favourite, Ratcliffe to endorse
Jason Wilcox, Manchester United's director of football, has named Eddie Howe as his preferred successor to Michael Carrick, after his Friday press conference, who will remain in charge for Sunday’s visit to Bournemouth, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe expected to endorse the appointment.
Wilcox backs Howe for continuity
Jason Wilcox, the director of football at Manchester United, has indicated that Eddie Howe is his preferred candidate to replace Michael Carrick. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to side with Wilcox, giving the appointment additional weight.
“Eddie Howe is the current preferred candidate of Jason Wilcox to replace Michael Carrick should Manchester United decide to change manager, with the director of football believing Howe’s extensive Premier League experience places him ahead of other potential targets,” wrote Jamie Jackson for.
The club’s shortlist also features Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann, Fabian Hurzeler and Unai Emery. Hurzeler has made clear he does not want the role and will stay at Brighton until at least the season’s end. Conte would accept the job, while pulling Emery out of Aston Villa would prove extremely difficult. The Man Utd board will weigh the options before a final decision is announced.
Board dynamics and rival preferences
Head of recruitment Christopher Vivell favours Julian Nagelsmann, the former Germany and Bayern Munich coach, for the vacancy. However, Wilcox’s view may carry more influence with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, according to reports.
Alex Crook said, “I reported yesterday that Eddie Howe was the favourite to take over. Jason Wilcox was leaning towards him… Because he seems to have the ear of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.”
Man Utd’s recruitment chief pushes for Nagelsmann as Carrick hangs
Vivell feels his recruitment role is being sidelined by Wilcox, creating tension within the boardroom. He believes the club’s standing relationship with Nagelsmann could be jeopardised if the appointment proceeds without his input.
Michael Carrick opened his Friday press conference with a monologue that journalists described as resembling “a dead man walking”. He referenced club legends such as Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby, impressing the press but not the fans.
Despite the managerial speculation, Carrick will remain in charge for Sunday’s visit to Bournemouth, after which the club’s direction becomes uncertain. Manchester United, according to the source, must look forwards and not be weighed down by its illustrious past.