Man Utd told who they will ‘probably’ appoint if Michael Carrick is sacked

13 Oct 2026 07:00 BST 2 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Manchester United will “probably” look to appoint Eddie Howe as manager if they decide to sack Michael Carrick, according to Paul Merson.

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Carrick was named head coach on a permanent basis in May after leading the Red Devils to Champions League qualification as interim boss last term.

However, the former United midfielder is under pressure after presiding over the club’s worst start to a season for 40 years in 2026-27.

United have won just two games this season and failed to beat Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at home - despite both sides being reduced to 10 men.

Performances have also been a major concern for supporters, with the 20-time league champions lacking energy in midfield and spark in attack.

Former Arsenal and England midfielder Merson believes United are paying the price for handing Carrick the reins on a permanent basis in the summer.

Merson feels the Old Trafford hierarchy should have tried to appoint Aston Villa boss Unai Emery instead, saying he possesses “major experience” at the top level of football.

Should United opt to dismiss Carrick, Merson reckons the club would now look to name former Newcastle United manager Howe as his replacement.

Writing in his Sky Sports column, Merson said: “Now, who else is going to come in [if Carrick is sacked]? Eddie Howe is probably the man they'd go for. He's the only one about, isn't he?

“Antonio Conte could go in, he'd steady the ship. But I don't know if he wants to play entertaining football and set the world alight. I don't know what the Man Utd owners want.”

United-linked Howe & Conte are both available

Howe is currently available after leaving Newcastle in July, saying it was in the “best interests” of both himself and the club to seek pastures new in the summer.

He is regarded as the best English coach in men’s football having guiding the Magpies to their first domestic trophy for 70 years via the Carabao Cup in 2025.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Conte is also unemployed after his contract with Serie A giants Napoli was mutually terminated in June.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Conte hinted he would be interested in taking over at United - should the job become available in the future.

The Italian said he is looking to reawaken a “sleeping giant” in his next role, with many observers believing he was referring to United.

United have not won the Premier League since 2012/13 or the Champions League since 2007/08 - with several managers struggling to return the club to its former glory.

Carrick will be hoping to relieve some of the scrutiny on his position when United travel to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this evening.

In a pre-match press conference ahead of the game, the 45-year-old insisted he was embracing the pressure surrounding both himself and United at the moment.