Manchester United targets Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have reportedly emerged as leading candidates to replace Michael Carrick as uncertainty grows over the manager’s future following a disappointing start to the season.
Carrick has come under increasing pressure since United’s two defeats, with a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday. The defeat was reported to come after they evened up their Champions League record with a 4-1 loss to Como, adding to the queries around the side’s form and direction.
The former Newcastle United manager Howe and Germany head coach Nagelsmann are among those being looked at if United do decide to get rid of Carrick, British media states. Both are said to be cognizant of the club’s interest but there has been no appointment made.
Carrick’s tenure has been very different to last season when he led the side to third place in the Premier League following the dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim in January.
It is reported the Red Devils have come back from eight league games to pick up seven points to sit 16th in the league table, and one point above relegation. The poor beginning has made the job up for grabs and Conte and Aston Villa manager Unai Emery have also been named as potential candidates.
But, if Villa is to change managers, Emery could complicate matters further for the club due to his contract, and there will be other candidates on the market.
There is also a report from the BBC that Howe is willing to take a punt with Manchester United. The former Newcastle management duo has both had Premiership management experience and Nagelsmann has a background of international coaching, having worked for Germany.
