Carrick on the brink as Man United weigh up Eddie Howe to take over
Michael Carrick's time in interim charge at Old Trafford appears to be coming to an end, with Eddie Howe emerging as the leading candidate to take over. The Manchester Evening News reports that Carrick has already spoken with football director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada following the defeat to Bournemouth, as United sit without a win in eight games (Manchester Evening News).
TeamTalk understands that Wilcox has picked out Howe as his preferred option to replace Carrick, a stance that has prompted a strong reaction from YouTuber Mark Goldbridge, according to the outlet (TeamTalk). TeamTalk also reports that Howe's trusted Newcastle backroom staff would be prepared to reunite with him at Old Trafford should the move happen (TeamTalk), while the Manchester Evening News adds that the former Newcastle boss could have a "non-negotiable" demand that United would need to satisfy to get a deal done, with Wilcox said to be keen to accommodate it (Manchester Evening News).
Not everyone is convinced Howe is the right fit. talkSPORT reports that host Jeff Stelling has urged Howe to steer clear of the United job, arguing that previous big-name appointments have failed and suggesting the blame does not lie solely with Carrick (talkSPORT). TeamTalk, citing the Guardian, talkSPORT and the Telegraph, says Carrick is on the verge of being sacked, with INEOS chiefs reportedly viewing the situation as untenable after the 3-0 loss (TeamTalk).
There is a difference of opinion on who tops United's list. While several reports focus on Howe, TeamTalk also claims United have identified the Aston Villa manager as their "dream" target to replace Carrick, rather than Howe (TeamTalk). The Manchester Evening News, meanwhile, offers a verdict naming both Unai Emery and Howe as men being tipped to succeed Carrick, suggesting the search remains wide open (Manchester Evening News).
Taken together, the picture painted across the outlets is of a club moving quickly to find Carrick's successor, with Howe the name mentioned most often but far from a certainty. United's next match is away at Chelsea on Saturday, and it remains to be seen whether Carrick will still be in the dugout for that game or whether a change will have already been made by then [B].
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