Eddie Howe is the right kind of man to take on the challenge of managing Manchester United following his success with Newcastle over the last five years, according to former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin.
However, Nevin is in no hurry to see the back of Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, despite their difficult start to the season.
Howe's next challenge
Howe is still looking for his next challenge after deciding to leave Newcastle in the summer, with the former head coach taking some time out of the game before deciding where his future lies.
He remains a popular figure on Tyneside after twice leading the club to the Champions League, and famously ending their trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025.
Nevin's view on Carrick
Nevin, who lives in the North East, remains a big admirer of Howe, and feels he would be the right fit for the demands of the Manchester United top job.
However, he thinks Geordie Michael Carrick should be given a lot more time to get things right with the Red Devils.
"Eddie Howe links to Man Utd? It has naturally moved a wee bit for some people," he told CasinoHawks. "I think it's desperately harsh on Michael Carrick. I think it's far, far too early. I think last season he did an extraordinary job.
"I thought it was an absolutely phenomenal job considering what Man United looked like before. They've been a shambles for a long time. Yet they actually started to look like a grown-up club again, run by an adult or adults, which was great to see."
Carrick deserves time
"By the way, I didn't always blame the managers before that. I just blame the fact that they changed things too quickly and were never given the opportunity to bed in, build their own group, etc. But Carrick did that last season and got them together.
"He 100% deserves this season and Champions League football. You've got to accept that there's a big, big change in the personnel there. But it's going to be tough, you know. It really is going to be tough.
"They were so reliant on Bruno Fernandes, and he's got a wee injury just now, I believe, as well, which is a big concern for them. But in reality, I think you can gauge him probably at the end of the season.
"I would definitely give him another transfer window, whatever happened, to make sure he can bolster the areas that he needs to bolster."
Howe's appeal
"Eddie Howe, I rate him incredibly highly. He's kind of had 'Man United manager' stamped on his forehead for about ten years, I think. He just looks right, doesn't he? He just looks like the right kind of man for it.
"His attitudes towards football are really good as well. It's hard not to admire him and like him. I mean, anytime I've spoken to Eddie, you just feel good in his company. It feels like he's your mate.
"There's no talking down to you, although I'd bring up playing against him if he did, just joking. He's just a good guy, and fans relate to that. But he also knows his stuff.
"I think what most people know about Eddie is it wasn't his fault at Newcastle when things went wrong. It just wasn't. They were never allowed the money because of the rules to do what he was asked to do and having to sell the likes of Isak, the likes of Anderson, etc., it was horrendous.
"If I was a Man United fan, what would I think just now.? I would think: 'Carrick in charge is great, a club hero from the past, who had a good period last season. We'll have one or two ups and downs, let's stick with him.' But if we have to take Eddie Howe, yeah, that's all right too."
