Howe open to Manchester United job as Carrick fights to save his position

Eddie Howe is open to becoming Manchester United’s next head coach, with the BBC reporting that the former Newcastle manager is one of three out-of-work candidates believed to be interested in the role at Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick is set to take charge against Bournemouth on Sunday, but the head coach is fighting for his future after a difficult start to the season across all competitions. With the November international break roughly two and a half weeks away, United’s winless run is intensifying the pressure on the Englishman.

Howe, who left Newcastle three months ago, has previous experience of taking managerial positions mid-season — most notably when he was appointed at St James’ Park. United are said to be weighing him up for any potential opening, suggesting mutual interest between club and coach.

The 47-year-old was linked with the United job last autumn when Ruben Amorim was under pressure, though Howe played down the speculation at the time. Roy Keane was among those to publicly back him, saying in January: “I’d go with Eddie Howe. I like him, I like what he’s done. He’s managed a lot of games. When his teams are at it, they’ll play good football. He’s still a young man. I love his calmness. Maybe Man Utd need a little bit of that.”

Former United striker Dwight Yorke echoed that view, describing Howe as a standout option among currently available managers. “The Eddie Howe scenario will raise a few eyebrows, and yes, a man with a little bit more experience who has obviously done what he’s done at Bournemouth and at Newcastle,” Yorke said. “It’s a different managerial level when you come in at Manchester United. But you ask yourself the question: who is out there, and who will take it?”

Yorke was candid about the limited pool of candidates, adding: “There is nobody else, and that’s why Carrick will survive for a little bit longer. There are no top managerial candidates out there who can come in and really excite the people and the fans at Manchester United.”

The assessment underlines the difficult position United’s hierarchy finds itself in — aware that Carrick’s tenure may be unsustainable, yet constrained by a thin market of high-profile alternatives.