After yet another home defeat to AFC Bournemouth, the continuous cycle of change at Manchester United could be in full swing over the next couple of days.
The Red Devils have had four separate managers since the summer of 2022, with Michael Carrick looking likely to be the next to lose his job at Old Trafford.
He’s arguably been hung out to dry by the hierarchy after a dismal summer transfer window, but he will certainly take the fall for their failures after a run of eight games without a win.
As a result, a handful of managers have already been touted as replacements for the 45-year-old, and one name continues to be strongly linked with replacing the former first-team man.
Why Howe is being lined up to replace Carrick at United
Despite Carrick still being the manager for now, United have made no secret of who they would move to should they decide to make a change in the dugout.
As has been the case for many years, Eddie Howe has once again appeared on the Red Devils’ shortlist to become their next manager should the current boss depart.
The 48-year-old is currently a free agent after departing Newcastle United back in July, with Jason Wilcox leading the move to try and appoint the Englishman.
The Red Devils’ Director of Football has made him the priority to replace Carrick after his impressive work in leading the Magpies to the top end of the Premier League.
During his time at St James’ Park, he transformed the club from relegation contenders to consistent challengers for the European places and even silverware winners.
United are in desperate need of similar success in the near future, having now failed to win a trophy since the FA Cup triumph back in the 2023/24 campaign.
Since then, they have even finished 15th in England’s top-flight, with Howe’s experience in leading sides back up the division undoubtedly playing a part in Wilcox’s desire to hire him.
How United can land a mega Howe upgrade to replace Carrick
Despite the reported interest in appointing Howe should Carrick depart, there are other options currently on the table and still under consideration at present.
Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is another who is admired by staff at Old Trafford, with Christopher Vivell just one member of the hierarchy who prefers the German.
His lack of Premier League experience has cast doubt on a possible appointment, but he could be seen as a superb long-term option given his tender age of just 39.
However, another option currently under consideration is Antonio Conte – who, like Howe and Nagelsmann, is currently a free agent after departing Napoli this summer.
It’s been reported by talkSPORT that the Italian would be open to taking the reins at Old Trafford, but would require assurances on dealings in the transfer market.
|
Antonio Conte – Premier League stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Tally |
|
Clubs managed |
Chelsea, Tottenham |
|
Matches |
132 |
|
Wins |
83 |
|
Draws |
19 |
|
Losses |
30 |
|
Win percentage |
62.9% |
|
Points per game |
2.00 |
|
Premier League titles |
1 |
|
Best league finish |
1st |
Such news comes after the 57-year-old downplayed reports that he had held talks with the Red Devils hierarchy last week over a move to replace the under-pressure Carrick.
He may not be many supporters’ first choice to fill the void at Old Trafford due to his persona, but there’s no denying that he’s a proven manager in the Premier League.
He claimed title glory with Chelsea back in the 2016/17 campaign, subsequently achieving a tally of 93 points and taking the division by storm with his 3-4-3 system.
The 57-year-old has also achieved a phenomenal 63% win rate in his 132 matches in England’s top-flight, a figure which is 20% higher than that of the former Newcastle boss.
His front-footed attacking system has seen him also boast a better points-per-game record than that of Howe, whilst also seeing his sides score more goals per 90 – backing up Chris Wilder’s claim that he’s a “world-class” coach.
Away from his time in England, Conte has also won five Serie A titles with three different teams, further highlighting his winning mentality – which is something United have lacked in recent years.
Whilst Howe will be seen as a somewhat safe appointment by the Red Devils hierarchy, if they are to get the supporters back on side, then a deal for the Italian boss should be a priority.
His experience in leading sides towards silverware is there for all to see, and his leadership qualities would provide some home truths for the players who are no longer good enough at Old Trafford.
