Redknapp names only two managers who can rescue struggling Manchester United

Jamie Redknapp has narrowed the field of potential Manchester United managers to just two names — Eddie Howe and Unai Emery — as Michael Carrick’s position at Old Trafford comes under increasing scrutiny following a run of nine games without a win in all competitions.

United’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend left them 17th in the Premier League table, separated from the relegation zone only on goal difference, with bottom-placed Sunderland just two points behind. Their last league victory came on 30 August against Ipswich Town.

“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.”

Carrick was appointed permanently during the summer, but the club’s dire form has prompted widespread speculation about a potential change in the dugout.

Redknapp also addressed the claims surrounding Julian Nagelsmann, who has been linked with the role since leaving his position as Germany national team manager. The former Liverpool midfielder was lukewarm on the German’s credentials, pointing to a mixed recent record and suggesting Emery remains his preferred choice.

“Julian Nagelsmann has done pretty well in Germany,” Redknapp said. “I think he started off his career so good… last few years, not quite so good, obviously with Germany at the World Cup.”

On Emery specifically, Redknapp acknowledged the challenge of prising the Spaniard away from Aston Villa, where he has been given significant control over footballing decisions. “He’s got a project, he can do what he likes there, he’s running the club, whatever he says goes,” Redknapp said. “But he might think, ‘This is the challenge for me’, and every manager has an ego.”

Redknapp was emphatic that any incoming manager would need more than tactical nous to arrest United’s decline. “I don’t believe anyone else is just going to go in there with a manager and an assistant and change it,” he said. “There are so many things behind the scenes that need to change.”