Manchester United are weighing up five potential candidates to replace Michael Carrick as manager following a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League. Julian Nagelsmann, Fabian Hurzeler, Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe and Kieran McKenna have all been touted as contenders for the Old Trafford role.
Pressure mounts on Carrick after Como loss
Increased scrutiny has been placed on Carrick after the heavy loss to the Serie A minnows. The Mail Online has highlighted several names who could be in line to take over in the Old Trafford hotseat.
Hurzeler is the only manager currently in a job, guiding Brighton & Hove Albion through a high-flying Premier League campaign and European run. The Telegraph has reported that the highly-rated German has admirers at Old Trafford, but he does not have a release clause in his contract. With Brighton already receiving eye-watering fees for their tacticians, it has been claimed that prising Hurzeler away could require a record-breaking fee.
Out-of-work managers in the frame
Nagelsmann, Conte, Howe and McKenna have all been out of the dugout since leaving their respective roles. Nagelsmann was most recently in charge of Germany but left his post after a disappointing World Cup with Die Mannschaft.
Howe has been frequently linked with a move to Old Trafford after impressive stints with Bournemouth and Newcastle United, but he left the Magpies in the summer on the eve of the Premier League season. McKenna was considered a contender during the uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag's position. United were said to be among two clubs, along with Chelsea, to have met with the Northern Irishman during his successful period at Ipswich Town. After stepping down as manager in June 2026, he was said to be eyeing an extended break, but he is already being linked with a return to United.
Reports have emerged in the last week that Conte is open to making the move to Old Trafford. Having been out of the game since his spell with Napoli in Serie A, the Italian's name was said to have been put forward by intermediaries to replace Carrick. In 2018, while Chelsea manager, a Man United kit with 'Conte 1' on the back was handed to him by a prankster claiming it was a present from Jose Mourinho after a heated feud. However, the Telegraph has reported that he is not under consideration as he does not fit the managerial structure at Old Trafford.
Carrick's position safe for now
Carrick's position is safe for now as he fights for his future in the Old Trafford hotseat. With just two wins in 11 matches, he will be in charge to face Bournemouth on Sunday (2pm kick-off).
According to The Times, club officials were left 'stunned' by the poor performance and feel that they should take a portion of the blame surrounding the downturn in form for Carrick's side. The 45-year-old embarked on a phenomenal run during his stint in caretaker charge last season, which led to him being appointed as Ruben Amorim's permanent successor.
