Michael Carrick’s Man Utd Future: Howe and Conte’s Chances of Replacing Him – What We’re Hearing
Michael Carrick is facing mounting pressure at Manchester United following a disastrous run of results, with the club reportedly assessing potential replacements should they decide to make a managerial change.
United's humiliating 4-1 defeat against Como in the Champions League has intensified scrutiny of Carrick's position. The result came amid a difficult spell for the Red Devils, who have struggled to find consistency and are reportedly considering several alternatives.
Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann are among the names being linked with the Old Trafford job. However, the latest reports suggest that Howe is emerging as a leading candidate, while Conte's potential appointment remains uncertain.
With United preparing for their Premier League match against Bournemouth, Carrick's immediate future could depend heavily on the team's response.
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United Future Under Threat
Carrick's position has become increasingly difficult following United's poor run of performances. The defeat to Como was particularly damaging, with the team struggling defensively and failing to respond effectively after falling behind.
Captain Bruno Fernandes also questioned the team's tactical approach following the match, adding to the scrutiny surrounding Carrick's management.
United are reportedly 13th in the Premier League table and have suffered a disappointing start to the campaign. The club's hierarchy must now decide whether to give Carrick additional time or make a change in an attempt to rescue the season.
According to recent reports, Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday's Premier League fixture against Bournemouth. There has been no official announcement that he will be dismissed.
However, reports of a shortlist of potential replacements suggest that United are preparing for different scenarios if results fail to improve.
The Bournemouth match could therefore prove significant for Carrick, although one result alone may not determine the club's final decision.
Eddie Howe Emerges as Leading Candidate to Replace Carrick
Eddie Howe is reportedly among Manchester United's preferred options should the club decide to appoint a new manager.
According to The Guardian, United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, favours Howe because of his extensive Premier League experience. The former Newcastle United manager has been without a club since leaving St James' Park in July 2026.
Howe's achievements at Newcastle make him an attractive candidate. During his time at the club, he helped transform the team into a Champions League contender and guided them to the 2025 Carabao Cup, ending Newcastle's long wait for a major domestic trophy.
His teams have generally been associated with high-intensity football, organised pressing and a clear tactical structure.
Those qualities could appeal to United as they attempt to address their current problems. Howe also has experience working within the financial and competitive realities of the Premier League.
Reports suggest that Howe would seriously consider the Manchester United job if an offer arrived. However, there is no confirmed agreement between the manager and the club.
His availability makes him a comparatively straightforward option should United decide to act, although the club must first determine whether changing managers is the right course of action.
Antonio Conte to Manchester United: What Are the Chances?
Antonio Conte is another high-profile name linked with the Manchester United vacancy. The Italian has an impressive managerial record, having won league titles with Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Napoli.
Conte's reputation is built on tactical organisation, demanding training standards and an ability to deliver improvements in competitive environments.
His Premier League experience is also relevant. He led Chelsea to the Premier League title in the 2016-17 season and subsequently guided Tottenham Hotspur back into the Champions League.
United could be attracted by his experience of managing elite players and competing for major trophies.
However, there are questions about whether Conte would be the right fit for the club's long-term plans. His previous managerial spells have sometimes featured public disagreements with club executives over recruitment, squad building and expectations.
United would need to establish whether their football leadership and Conte could agree on responsibilities, transfer policy and the direction of the project.
Importantly, Conte has publicly rejected reports that he is in advanced negotiations with Manchester United. In a statement on October 23, he described reports about financial demands and requests for full control as unfounded.
He also indicated that he would consider his next opportunity carefully and discuss terms if a concrete offer emerged.
Therefore, while Conte remains a name associated with the situation, there is no confirmed advanced deal between him and Manchester United.
Julian Nagelsmann Also in the Frame
Julian Nagelsmann is another potential candidate reportedly being considered by United.
The former Germany head coach has previously been linked with the club, and his tactical approach could appeal to those seeking a manager with a modern, possession-oriented style.
According to The Guardian, United's head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, prefers Nagelsmann, creating a reported difference of opinion within the club's football leadership.
This distinction could become important if United decide to replace Carrick. Choosing a manager is not simply about identifying the best available candidate; the club must also agree on a shared footballing philosophy and a recruitment strategy.
Nagelsmann's potential appointment would represent a different direction from Howe's Premier League-proven approach or Conte's emphasis on tactical structure and immediate competitiveness.
At this stage, however, the reports do not establish that United have made a final decision on their next manager.
Who Is Manchester United Most Likely to Appoint?
Based on the latest reporting, Eddie Howe appears to have a strong position among the candidates being discussed.
His availability, Premier League experience and previous success at Newcastle make him a practical option if United decide to dismiss Carrick.
Nagelsmann is also reportedly highly regarded by parts of the club's recruitment structure, while Conte offers a proven record of winning major trophies but comes with questions about whether both parties would agree on the conditions of an appointment.
Fabian Hürzeler and Unai Emery have also been mentioned in reports, although convincing either manager to leave their current club could prove more difficult.
It is important to distinguish media reports from confirmed negotiations. Manchester United have not officially announced Carrick's departure or confirmed that any replacement has been appointed.
The club's immediate priority remains improving performances and results.
What Happens Next for Michael Carrick?
Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Manchester United's upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth on Sunday, October 25.
The fixture gives United an opportunity to respond to the defeat against Como and restore some confidence after a difficult period.
A convincing performance could help Carrick ease the immediate pressure, while another disappointing result would likely intensify questions about his future.
Nevertheless, the decision will involve more than the outcome of one game. United's leadership must consider the team's overall trajectory, tactical development, dressing-room confidence and whether the current coaching staff can deliver sustained improvement.
The club must also weigh the risks of changing managers during the season against the possibility that a new appointment could provide a fresh direction.
For now, Carrick remains in charge, while reports about possible replacements continue to circulate.
Final Verdict: Howe Leads the Latest Conversation, but Carrick Remains in Charge
Manchester United's managerial situation is becoming increasingly uncertain following the heavy defeat to Como. Eddie Howe is reportedly the preferred candidate of Jason Wilcox, while Julian Nagelsmann is understood to have support from recruitment chief Christopher Vivell.
Antonio Conte remains another name linked with the vacancy, but his public comments make clear that reports of advanced negotiations should not be treated as confirmation of an imminent appointment.
Carrick's immediate task is to prepare United for Bournemouth and demonstrate that the team can respond to its recent setbacks.
Until Manchester United make an official announcement, the situation remains unresolved. Howe may be emerging as a leading candidate in the media reports, but Carrick's future and the club's next managerial appointment have yet to be decided.