Eddie Howe lined up for Man Utd job with Michael Carrick on the brink

Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has emerged as the leading candidate to replace under-fire Michael Carrick at Manchester United.

Crucially, reports suggest Howe would be interested in taking the job despite initially planning to take a break from football following his departure in July.

Howe emerges as leading candidate to replace Carrick

According to The i Paper, Manchester United executives held discussions over Carrick’s future on Sunday night after a disastrous start to the season, with the club enduring its worst Premier League start in 40 years.

United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday has intensified the pressure on Carrick, with the club reportedly expecting to make a decision on his future.

Director of football Jason Wilcox is understood to favour Howe, believing Premier League experience is essential to getting United back on track. However, the club’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, reportedly prefers former Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Howe’s record at Newcastle will undoubtedly appeal to Manchester United’s decision-makers, despite a poor final season. During his five years on Tyneside, he led us back into the Champions League on two occasions and ended our 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025.

His departure in July came after a difficult period, with the 48-year-old seemingly keen to step away from management and recharge his batteries. However, it sounds like he's tempted.

Howe keen despite plans for a break

The most significant part of this developing story is the suggestion that Howe would seriously consider a return to management if Manchester United make an approach.

The i Paper reports that, despite initially wanting time away from the game following his Newcastle exit, the opportunity at Old Trafford is one he may be reluctant to pass up.

There is also a financial consideration, with Howe potentially a more affordable appointment than Unai Emery. Aston Villa would reportedly demand around £20m in compensation to release their manager.

From our perspective, Howe’s achievements at Newcastle deserve enormous respect. He transformed the club’s fortunes, delivered a long-awaited trophy and helped bring Champions League football back to St James' Park. 

Seeing him take charge of Manchester United would certainly be strange after everything he achieved here, but we'd back him to do well considering the positive impact he had on Newcastle's rebuild under PIF..