Eddie Howe and Tuchel lead Next Manchester United manager odds as Carrick faces sack pressure

Manchester United’s Carabao Cup exit on Wednesday night has intensified scrutiny on manager Michael Carrick, after the Red Devils threw away a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford to lose 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion and crash out in the third round.

The defeat drew uncomfortable parallels with last season, when Ruben Amorim’s tenure unravelled following a third-round Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town. For Carrick, the collapse was particularly damaging given United had already won just one of their first four Premier League fixtures — a sluggish return that has raised questions about the club’s decision to make him permanent after his caretaker spell.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, both brought in to reinforce the midfield during a significant summer of investment, started the Brighton game but could not prevent the second-half collapse. Bookmakers have since moved quickly to shorten odds on Carrick becoming the first top-flight manager to lose his job this season.

With replacement markets now active, former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has emerged as the frontrunner at an average of 6/4 across available books. Howe brings extensive Premier League experience, though his appointment would likely divide opinion among United supporters.

England manager Thomas Tuchel is available at around 7/2, though the FA has indicated he is not in a position to return to club management. Julian Nagelsmann, who departed the Germany job after this summer’s World Cup and remains without a club, is priced around 4/1, though his stock has dipped following the tournament.

Antonio Conte is listed at approximately 9/1, while Gareth Southgate and Kieran McKenna — both currently without clubs — sit around 15/1. Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher leads the contingent of ex-players in the market at 20/1, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Gary Neville, and Wayne Rooney also featuring at longer odds.

Previous United managers Ralf Rangnick, David Moyes, and Erik ten Hag are included in the markets with appropriately long prices. Carlo Ancelotti, Fabian Hurzeler, and Mauricio Pochettino are each available at around 20/1 to 25/1 for those seeking alternatives with credible managerial track records.