Man United cool on Eddie Howe as Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness emerges as managerial target

Manchester United’s board has grown cooler on Eddie Howe as a managerial candidate, with Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness emerging as a figure held in high regard by club executives, according to the Independent — all while incumbent Michael Carrick continues to fight for his job.

Carrick survived an immediate threat to his position following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, with United executives granting him more time after internal discussions. A Champions League comeback victory over Roma has offered temporary relief, but Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa is being framed as a pivotal test — a win would buy him breathing space, while defeat could accelerate a decision.

Howe, who left Newcastle in the summer, had been widely considered the frontrunner among a group of candidates that also includes Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann. However, the Independent reports that United are “much less sold” on the former Bournemouth manager than public speculation suggested.

Hoeness, 44, has drawn attention after transforming Stuttgart from a relegation-threatened side into Champions League qualifiers and German Cup winners since taking charge in 2023. His trajectory draws comparisons to Ruben Amorim’s rise at Sporting CP before the Portuguese coach’s ultimately unsuccessful spell at Old Trafford.

United’s director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are said to favour a permanent appointment over another interim solution, a pattern the club is eager to break. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer initially arrived as caretaker before being handed the job full-time, Ralf Rangnick was brought in to see out the 2021-22 season, and Carrick himself served in a temporary capacity during the second half of last season.

For now, Carrick retains the backing of the club’s leadership. Speaking after the Roma win, he urged his squad to use the result as a springboard rather than a destination.

“It was a fantastic night as a one-off night,” Carrick said. “It was a good night for us all, but nothing has been achieved yet. It’s one moment we need to use to move forward.”

He also pointed to signs of progress across recent matches. “The first half against Chelsea was very good. We’re showing signs of improvement, no doubt, and we need to take that forward.”