Manchester United have begun considering potential replacements for head coach Michael Carrick as pressure on the club intensifies. United sources insist there are no imminent plans to dispense with him, but the rumour mill is already moving quickly, and one of their targets has reportedly told the club he is keen on the role.
United have made a poor start to the campaign. They have taken six points from their opening six Premier League matches and have won only one of their two Champions League outings. Their most recent European defeat, a 2-0 loss away at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, has only increased the scrutiny.
The following candidates are considered the most likely options should Carrick be replaced.
Eddie Howe
Howe is seen as the most likely heir apparent, and United are reported to have held a long-standing interest in the former Bournemouth boss. The club looked into hiring him when Erik ten Hag was sacked in 2024, and they could renew that interest if Carrick departs. Howe left his most recent post at Newcastle this summer.
The Daily Telegraph reported last month that, after taking time away from football to be with his family, Howe fancies the challenge of taking over at a sleeping giant, or a historically successful club that has fallen on hard times. United would appear to be a suitable fit.
Fabian Hurzeler
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is reportedly the “standout” candidate to step in for Carrick. That claim came from The Sun, which says the German was considered as an option to replace Ruben Amorim last season, before Carrick’s interim spell was made permanent.
At 33, Hurzeler would be younger than three members of the current United squad, but his record with the Seagulls is difficult to overlook.
Antonio Conte
Conte is a proven Premier League winner with Chelsea and a five-time Serie A champion as a player. He is available after leaving Napoli earlier this year, and he has been publicly flirting with United in recent weeks. Speaking to The Athletic last month, he made an oblique “come and get me” plea: “I’d like to go to one of these clubs to dust off that history and make it shine once more.”
New reports from TalkSport this week add that his representatives have contacted United to express an interest in the job should Carrick be deposed.
Julian Nagelsmann
The former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann is also available. He left his post with the German national team this summer following an ignominious World Cup elimination by Paraguay.
TalkSport’s Ben Jacobs reports that Nagelsmann ranks highly on United’s shortlist. He is said to be the preferred choice of Christopher Vivell.
Kieran McKenna
McKenna has been linked with a number of managerial jobs since stepping down as Ipswich boss at the end of last season, and United are the latest club on that list. He earned promotion twice with the Tractor Boys but called time on his role as he looked to take a break from the game.
That was his first full-time senior managerial job. He had previously served as a coach at Old Trafford, and he may well be tempted by the prospect of returning to his former club.
Cesc Fabregas
One of the more left-field options is Chelsea and Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas, who is currently employed by the ambitious Como. He remains under contract with the Serie A side until 2028 and is not thought to be interested in moving to the Premier League, yet.
Nevertheless, the Spaniard ranks highly among United’s managerial targets.