Carragher backs Howe for Man Utd job but flags Tindall touchline concern

Jamie Carragher has endorsed Eddie Howe as the right fit for Manchester United’s managerial vacancy, but the former Liverpool defender has flagged a specific concern about Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall that he believes United supporters would share.

Michael Carrick remains in charge at Old Trafford for now, having survived crisis talks with the club’s hierarchy, though his position is far from secure after a wretched start to the season left United 16th in the Premier League following a 3-0 thrashing at Bournemouth. Carrick has won just two of his 12 league matches since being confirmed as permanent manager in the summer.

Howe, 48, is among the candidates under consideration alongside former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte. The former Newcastle boss has been available since leaving St James’ Park in July after nearly five years in charge, and is understood to be interested in the role. He would expect to bring his own backroom staff, which would include Tindall, his assistant throughout his entire managerial career.

It is Tindall’s animated behaviour on the touchline — which has previously brought him into conflict with rival coaches and fourth officials — that gives Carragher pause.

“I think I’d want Eddie Howe, but I wouldn’t want Jason Tindall on the side of the pitch,” Carragher said on The Overlap Fan Debate. “I don’t know the guy, and they might work together brilliantly, and they obviously do. They’ve got a great combination. Eddie Howe’s a sensible, respected guy, and he loves him. He has him as part of his team, but I don’t think as a Liverpool supporter I’d want him to run up and down a touchline, and I don’t think Manchester United’s supporters would either.”

Carragher had also stressed the importance of Premier League familiarity for whoever takes the role. “It’s not going to get any easier. So, I think you’d almost need a manager who knows the Premier League right now,” he added.

Howe’s record at Newcastle lends weight to his candidacy. He guided the club to Champions League qualification on two occasions and delivered the Carabao Cup in 2024-25 — the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years — before stepping down following a disappointing final campaign.