Jamie Carragher believes Eddie Howe is the best candidate for the Manchester United job, but he has raised a concern about Howe's long-time assistant Jason Tindall.
Michael Carrick remains United manager for now, having survived crisis talks with the club's hierarchy on Monday. His position is still uncertain after replacements were discussed following a poor start to the season.
Former Newcastle boss Howe is among the candidates being considered, along with ex-Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and former Chelsea and Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte. Howe is available after leaving Newcastle in July following nearly five years in charge.
Howe's backroom plans and Tindall's role
The 48-year-old is interested in the role and would likely want to bring in his own backroom staff if appointed. That group would include Tindall, who has been Howe's assistant throughout his managerial career.
Howe has compared their relationship to that of a "married couple", but Tindall's animated presence on the touchline, where he has clashed with rival coaches and the fourth official, has made him a divisive figure. That is a reservation for Carragher.
"It's not going to get any easier. So, I think you'd almost need a manager who knows the Premier League right now," Carragher said on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet.
Carragher's verdict on United's situation
"But this is just a point, because I have waxed lyrical about Eddie Howe when he was at Newcastle United. I'd love him as the England manager. And when I said yesterday on Sky, probably Eddie Howe right now, I thought if Liverpool were looking for a manager, I wouldn't want Eddie Howe.
"I think I'd want Eddie Howe, but I wouldn't want Jason Tindall on the side of the pitch. I don't know the guy, and they might work together brilliantly, and they obviously do. They've got a great combination.
"Eddie Howe's a sensible, respected guy, and he loves him. He has him as part of his team, but I don't think as a Liverpool supporter I'd want him to run up and down a touchline, and I don't think Manchester United's supporters would either."
United are 16th in the Premier League following their 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday. Carrick has won just two of his 12 matches this season after being made permanent boss in the summer following an impressive spell as interim manager.
Howe's record and what he could bring
Howe led Newcastle to Champions League qualification on two occasions and won the Carabao Cup in 2024/25, the club's first domestic trophy in 70 years. He stepped down in the summer after a disappointing campaign that ended with the Magpies in 12th place.
Carragher added: "I'm a massive fan of Eddie Howe and should be the next England manager, and he's the best English coach out there. Is he this big, glamour name? No.
"And would he be the guy who could get Manchester United back to winning titles or European Cups? Most people would say no. But where United are right now, you need somebody who knows the Premier League."
