26/10/2026 5:00 pm EAT

By Cornelius Nasong'o

Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is keen on the Manchester United role

As pressure mounts on Michael Carrick following a dismal 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, Manchester United’s potential pursuit of Eddie Howe is poised to create an immediate operational challenge for technical director Jason Wilcox.

United’s eight-game winless run has left them languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, forcing club officials to evaluate alternative leadership options. While Howe has emerged as a prime candidate if Wilcox gets his way, any formal approach will come with a strict condition: the former Newcastle manager is expected to make the inclusion of his entire trusted backroom staff a non-negotiable requirement for accepting the role.

For Old Trafford chiefs considering a managerial reset, meeting Howe’s structural demands could mean a complete overhaul of the current coaching setup—adding another layer of complexity to an already high-stakes decision at the club.

Man United's coach Michael Carrick, amid uncertain crisis

"I totally understand the situation. I'm not expecting anything in particular, to be honest," Carrick said when asked if he expected to be sacked.

"Carrying on as normal and I love this place. I'll always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything really. So that's kind of it. I'm not expecting anything either way."