Eddie Howe remains Manchester United's top target to replace Michael Carrick, despite the former midfielder being given more time in the Old Trafford dugout. The current United boss has been told he has time to turn results around, but transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Howe is the club's number one choice should a managerial change be made.
Contingency plans and talks
Romano claims United have held talks with agents and representatives of other managers as they prepare contingency plans for a potential change. Carrick is under serious pressure and fighting for his job after just two wins in 12 games in all competitions this season, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe flying in to watch this weekend's game.
Some speculated that the disappointing defeat to Bournemouth last weekend would be his final act as manager, with a farewell lap round the pitch. However, Carrick will take charge of this weekend's game against Chelsea as he looks to turn things around.
Three managers on the list
Romano claims United have held talks with three managers: Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte, with the former Newcastle boss at the top of their wishlist. Ratcliffe will reportedly be in attendance to watch the Reds take on Chelsea this weekend, with BBC Sport claiming the United chief is also considering a full overhaul of his club hierarchy, including CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Wilcox is said to be a huge admirer of Howe, who won the Carabao Cup during his time at St James' Park and secured two Champions League qualifications with the Magpies.
Compensation and Carrick's future
Sister title Chronicle Live states that United would be obliged to pay Newcastle compensation for Howe if they do decide to replace Carrick. Newcastle would be owed a "significant pay-out" due to the fact that Howe had several years left on his contract, and talkSPORT claims that fee is around £3 million. Howe was receiving around £6 million per year at Newcastle and was committed to a multi-year deal that was extended in summer 2024.
As for current boss Carrick, he knows anything less than a win this weekend could spell the end of his Manchester United tenure. Speaking after the defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend, he said: "It's difficult for me to have a day like this at this club and feel the emotion - the dynamic of what it was like today. Not for me personally, but for Man Utd.
"It was really mixed today. I feel a lot of responsibility. I've been at the club a long time. It hurts an awful lot to see us going through this at this moment in time."
