Redknapp names Howe and Emery as only Carrick replacements as Balde eyes January exit

Jamie Redknapp has narrowed Manchester United’s managerial options to two names — Eddie Howe and Unai Emery — should INEOS decide to part ways with Michael Carrick, whose position at Old Trafford remains precarious after a difficult start to the season.

“There are only, I think, two runners,” Redknapp said. “Listen, Michael Carrick is still in the job, so it’s unfair to be saying it. But if that’s the case, if this doesn’t improve, it’s inevitable that he’s going to lose his job. It can only be him [Emery] really, and Eddie Howe.”

Howe is currently without a club following his departure from Newcastle, though he is not a free agent — any appointing club would need to pay compensation to his former side, estimated at around £3m. Emery presents a considerably more expensive proposition, having signed a contract with Aston Villa that runs until 2029.

Carrick has survived what appeared to be certain dismissal on more than one occasion, with supporter frustration directed partly at the boardroom helping to extend his tenure. United’s need for results, however, has rarely felt more urgent.

Separately, United’s failure to sign a left-back during the summer window has come back into focus, with Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde now reportedly resigned to leaving the club in January. The 21-year-old, who was linked with a late move to Old Trafford during the summer, chose to remain at the Camp Nou and compete for his place under Hansi Flick — but has managed just 116 minutes across four appearances for the Catalan side.

According to Spanish outlets Mundo Deportivo and Sport, Balde has accepted that a departure is necessary to secure regular playing time. Barcelona have placed a €40m (£33.4m) price tag on the seven-time Spain international and are open to a permanent sale in January, though a loan move would not be considered — the club intends to use any transfer fee to fund their own incoming signings.

United’s need for cover at left-back behind Luke Shaw remains one of the most pressing issues heading into the winter window, and Balde’s availability could yet revive interest from Old Trafford.