Eddie Howe has been urged to "jump at the chance" to take over as Manchester United head coach if Michael Carrick is dismissed. Former Bournemouth winger Marc Pugh, who worked with Howe at the south coast club, believes the 48-year-old is the right man for the Old Trafford role.
Carrick has faced mounting pressure this week following United's poor start to the 2026/27 season. The Reds have won only two of their 11 matches across all competitions, collecting seven points from a possible 21 in the Premier League. They were also eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Brighton & Hove Albion and sit 20th in the Champions League table after winning one of three league-phase games.
Winless run and heavy defeat
Since a 4-0 victory over Sabah last month, United have gone seven games without a win. On Wednesday, they were beaten 4-1 by Cesc Fabregas' Como, intensifying scrutiny on Carrick.
Despite the results, Carrick is still expected to lead the team for Sunday's home fixture against Bournemouth. United's hierarchy reportedly want to give the former Middlesbrough boss time to turn things around.
Howe among favourites
If Carrick is sacked, Howe is among the bookmakers' favourites to replace him. The ex-Newcastle United manager has been out of work since leaving St James' Park in the summer and has long been linked with the United job.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Pugh said: "If I were Eddie, I'd jump at the chance, but to be honest, I think United need someone like Eddie... I think jobs like that don't come around often, and it's one of the best clubs in the world; you've got to jump at the chance, in my eyes."
Yorke backs Howe
Former United striker Dwight Yorke also believes Howe stands out among potential replacements. He told the Keys & Gray Unleashed podcast: "The Eddie Howe scenario will raise a few eyebrows, and yes, a man with a little bit more experience who has obviously done what he's done at Bournemouth and at Newcastle.
"Howe would be one of those guys who stand out out there at the moment. He's not in a job, looking for a job. There are no top managerial candidates out there who can come in and really excite the people and the fans at Manchester United."
