Man Utd Lunchtime Round-Up, Friday 23rd October 2026: Carrick Pressure Grows as Howe and Emery Emerge as Replacement Contenders
Pressure continues to build on Michael Carrick, with Manchester Evening News reporting he'll face the media this afternoon ahead of Sunday's crucial match against Bournemouth (Manchester Evening News). The managerial merry-go-round is already in full swing, with the Guardian reporting that Eddie Howe is currently Jason Wilcox's preferred candidate to take over, though it's noted that head of recruitment Vivell instead favours Julian Nagelsmann (The Guardian). Manchester Evening News add that Wilcox reportedly leans towards four other options ahead of Nagelsmann due to a key non-negotiable factor (Manchester Evening News), while Unai Emery has also been linked and is said to be among the top two contenders, though a £12m issue could complicate any move (Manchester Evening News).
On the pitch, BBC Sport raise the question of whether Carrick might leave captain Bruno Fernandes out of the side for the Bournemouth clash (BBC Sport). Meanwhile, Manchester Evening News report that United's coaching staff have been impressed by Amad Diallo's attitude amid the club's struggles, singling him out positively despite the wider difficulties this season (Manchester Evening News).
In other news, former United boss Ruben Amorim was reportedly mocked by his new club Milan and struggled to hide his reaction, according to Manchester Evening News (Manchester Evening News). There are also worrying reports that goalkeeper Andre Onana was rushed to hospital following a high-speed car crash, as confirmed by Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan (Manchester Evening News). Elsewhere, former United football director John Murtough has joined Birmingham City as director of football, BBC Sport report (BBC Sport).
Away from team matters, United are ploughing ahead with plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium at Old Trafford, and fans are being invited to have their say on the design (ManUtd.com) (Manchester Evening News).
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