Manchester United are preparing to part ways with head coach Michael Carrick, with Eddie Howe emerging as the leading candidate to replace him. The decision comes as the club faces renewed scrutiny over its direction, with fans expressing frustration after a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson left 13 years ago, Manchester United have not come close to winning the Premier League despite the efforts of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim and now Carrick. Hundreds of millions of pounds have been spent on the squad without a title challenge materialising.
Howe's pedigree at Newcastle
Eddie Howe transformed Newcastle United from relegation candidates into trophy winners. Taking over in 2021 with the club in 19th place, he avoided relegation, qualified for the Champions League twice in five years, reached two cup finals and won the Carabao Cup, ending a 70-year domestic trophy drought.
Howe's philosophy of 'Intensity is our identity' won over a fanbase that had grown apathetic. He improved players inherited from Steve Bruce, turning them into integral parts of his side, and his Newcastle team won more points than Manchester United across his reign on Tyneside.
Fans' opposition questioned
Despite his record, some Manchester United fans have criticised the potential appointment, with descriptions ranging from 'the most underwhelming appointment in the last 50 years' to 'a low IQ manager'. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane backed Howe in January, saying: "I'd go with Eddie Howe. I like him. I like what he's done. He's managed a lot of games. When his teams are at it, they'll play good football. He has his critics, but I like what he's done at Newcastle."
Keane added: "He's managed seven or 800 games. He's still a young man. I love his calmness. Maybe Man Utd need a little bit of that. The job he's done at Newcastle, Champions League and winning a cup, I'd be happy to see him go in there."
Stability and man-management
Howe spent 18 months between leaving Bournemouth and joining Newcastle, refining his methods and visiting teams like Atletico Madrid. Players he has coached speak positively about his man-management, with some noting he kept in touch with their progress long after they left the club.
There are reservations, however. Newcastle fell to seventh and 12th when juggling the Premier League and Champions League, and Howe wanted a break from football after leaving in July. But the Manchester United job would be difficult for any ambitious coach to turn down, and his record suggests he could guide the club back towards success.
