Man Utd
Howe and the United backlash: why the next appointment may be complicated
Howe is under consideration at United, but fan hostility and boardroom doubt may shape the next move.
Manchester United’s search for a possible successor to Michael Carrick is already being shaped by tension well beyond the dugout. Eddie Howe is viewed as one of the leading options, but the reaction to his name has reportedly created enough unease to make him hesitate before considering the role.
The atmosphere at the club has deteriorated quickly at the start of the new season. Carrick was handed the job full-time, yet the summer recruitment was not sufficient to leave him with a squad ready for the extra strain of this campaign. On top of that, he has struggled to strike the right tactical balance, something that had not been an issue during the closing weeks of last season.
There is also a sense of deepening unrest inside the dressing room, with players openly criticising Carrick and the club’s leadership. Despite that, Carrick remains firm, even as the pressure around him grows and the possibility of a change edges closer.
Howe is said to be the preferred option of sporting director Jason Wilcox, although the hierarchy is not united. The Telegraph reports that Howe would take the job if it were offered, but has not been left with the impression that United are actively chasing him. Other names, including Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte, have backing elsewhere, while some want the club to pursue Unai Emery or Cesc Fàbregas.
The report also says Howe is aware of the negative feeling among supporters, with prominent online figure and United fan Mark Goldbridge among those leading the criticism of a potential appointment. That hostility, combined with the lack of clarity inside the club, could be enough to put him off.
Even so, United remain a huge institution capable of attracting major managers. Howe has previously shown confidence in his own methods, and if Wilcox gets his way after Carrick is dismissed, the 48-year-old would likely want assurances. He was influential in recruitment at both of his previous jobs, and his record suggests United would be wise to listen. He helped turn Newcastle into a side few in the Premier League wanted to meet, guided them to the Champions League twice, and ended their 56-year wait for a major trophy with the Carabao Cup in 2025.
Chelsea
Carrick’s immediate challenges as pressure builds at Old Trafford
Carrick stays in post, but Fernandes, left-back concerns and academy calls all demand answers.
Michael Carrick is still in charge at Manchester United after a difficult week that left many expecting INEOS to act. That decision did not arrive, which means the manager heads into a major meeting with Chelsea under intense scrutiny.
Chelsea have had their own swing in fortunes. They followed a first Premier League clean sheet since January against Everton with a home league defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, only the second such result for a Chelsea manager since 1990, before also losing in the cup to Liverpool. Their clearest path to silverware has now gone.
Yet the attention on Carrick is much sharper. He may only have one more opportunity to prove his case before his position becomes untenable.
One of the key issues is Bruno Fernandes. Carrick felt he had to leave out his captain for Bournemouth’s visit to Old Trafford after Fernandes criticised his gameplan in the aftermath of the 4-1 defeat at Como. That public criticism cut deep, especially because Carrick had helped unlock the version of Fernandes who set the Premier League’s single-season assist record and won the PFA Player of the Year award last season. Under Carrick, Fernandes was restored as a playmaker and United functioned as a better collective.
Even so, United cannot rely on Fernandes alone. The team’s poor start has gone hand in hand with the midfielder’s struggles, but the Bournemouth defeat showed that dropping him was not a long-term answer.
Carrick also has a left-back problem that appears to have been worsened by decisions made in the summer. United looked for cover for Luke Shaw late in the window, but that chase ended once it became clear that Lewis Hall would not leave Newcastle United. With Shaw already missing multiple games through setbacks, the manager has been forced to improvise.
Diogo Dalot was used there last Sunday, with Mason Mount drifting infield, but the shape lacked balance and urgency. Marcus Rashford could be used to add thrust, while another option would be to alter the setup at right back. Carrick could also lean on the academy, with Shea Lacey making back-to-back substitute appearances and Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher, Jariyah Shah and Jim Thwaites in first-team training. Amass, who has already made two senior appearances this season, looks the likeliest candidate if a left-back change is made.
Man Utd
Manchester United’s January striking options after Šeško setback
United may need a January striker after Šeško’s injury delay leaves Zirkzee as their only orthodox option.
Manchester United have been handed another problem in a season that has offered little relief. Benjamin Šeško’s return from a lingering shin injury is now reportedly delayed until January, leaving Joshua Zirkzee as the only natural striker available to the club. That is a grim position for a side already searching for stability.
Šeško’s 12-goal debut campaign suggested United may have found a long-term centre forward, even if his injury record has caused concern. But with the 23-year-old sidelined, the winter window looks set to become a key moment for recruitment. The aim would be clear enough: find a forward who can help immediately without shutting down Šeško’s progress when he is fit again.
Jean-Philippe Mateta stands out as one option. The Crystal Palace striker is proven in the Premier League, out of contract next summer, and has long been linked with a move away. He finished last season with 16 goals across all competitions and has reached double figures in three successive campaigns. Clinical, physical and familiar with English football, he would bring both goals and competition.
Endrick is a different case entirely. Real Madrid blocked a loan exit in the summer, but his opportunities have been limited, with just four appearances so far. He spent half of the 2025-26 season on loan with Lyon, where he scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 21 matches. United could view him as a lower-risk, short-term option if Madrid allow another departure.
Alexander Sørloth offers another profile. The Atlético Madrid forward has scored 20 or more goals in each of his last three seasons and has twice finished among La Liga’s top four scorers. His previous Premier League spell at Crystal Palace yielded only one goal, but his current scoring record is far stronger.
Ivan Toney would also merit attention after his inclusion in England’s 2026 World Cup roster and his prolific form with Al Ahli, where he scored 41 goals in 48 appearances in 2025-26. Deniz Undav completes the list after a productive spell with Stuttgart, including 25 goals and 14 assists last season.
Man Utd
United’s Next Manager Shortlist Takes Shape Around Carrick Pressure
United are weighing Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte as Carrick’s future comes under pressure.
Manchester United are already being linked with possible replacements for Michael Carrick, with Eddie Howe said to be the leading candidate if change is made at Old Trafford.
Carrick’s position is understood to be under increasing pressure, and anything other than victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday would only add to the speculation surrounding his future. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, United have already begun conversations with possible options for the role.
“[Man Utd] also, because it’s the reality, they also had some conversations with agents, camps, representatives of other managers, because Manchester United had some conversation and that’s absolutely normal,” said the Italian.
“I’m not accusing Man Utd of anything wrong. It’s normal when things are not going well you start preparing for a potential change. So Man Utd had conversations with agents of managers.”
Romano then identified three names he believes sit on United’s list should Carrick be removed. In the order he gave them, those names were Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte.
“I told you that the three names we should take in consideration as free managers are in this order—Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte.
“Three managers very different one from the other and also in terms of approach.
“United are yet to say ‘Okay, let’s go for this coach.’ So the moment is still open but these are three names and obviously to talk with representatives, intermediaries or anyone close to these coaches is absolutely something normal in this situation, in this position for Manchester United.
“Then obviously there could be other managers who can be very attractive but very difficult to get.”
Howe, 48, has been out of work since leaving Newcastle at the end of July and is viewed as the current front-runner. His Premier League experience and man-management are thought to have caught United’s attention, even if there are lingering doubts about whether he has yet managed at a level comparable with Old Trafford.
Nagelsmann, 39, offers a very different profile. He has never coached in England, but his tactical reputation and attractive style have kept him in view. At the same time, his spell with the Germany national team did not fully convince, leaving him with questions of his own.
