Jamie Carragher has named the four managers who should be on Manchester United’s radar for their next permanent appointment, with the Liverpool legend backing Eddie Howe as a surprise candidate. Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Carragher whittled down 25 potential successors to Ruben Amorim, eventually settling on Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Michael Carrick, who took temporary charge after Amorim’s departure, began his stint with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City. Despite the result, Carragher dismissed the idea of Carrick landing the role full-time. ‘I am not going to change my mind,’ he said. ‘I don’t believe Manchester United can win the league with Michael Carrick as manager.’
Carragher was particularly effusive in his praise for Howe, citing his ability to handle media pressure and develop players. ‘The real big thing I like about Eddie Howe is how he handles the press,’ Carragher said. ‘What he also does that I think would really help Man United is improve players—they have a problem right now that a lot of them fail to realise their potential.’
When asked about the Red Devils’ most likely course of action, Carragher said: ‘If you’re Man United, I think everybody would want Luis Enrique. He has won the Champions League twice. But I don’t think they’ll get Luis Enrique. I think there’s a good chance that they end up with Thomas Tuchel.’
The former Liverpool defender also dismissed the credentials of other linked candidates, including Gareth Southgate, Andoni Iraola and Xavi, leaving only the final four as credible contenders for the Old Trafford hot seat.
