6 Managers Manchester United Are Looking At To Replace Michael Carrick, Englishman Leads List

News sports football 6 Managers Manchester United Are Looking At To Replace Michael Carrick, Englishman Leads List

Last Updated:October 26, 2026, 22:40 IST

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are leading contenders to replace Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick, but there are 4 more in the fray.

Englishman Eddie Howe and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann have emerged as leading contenders to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United, with the club reportedly assessing potential successors amid growing uncertainty over the current head coach’s future.

Carrick is under pressure following United’s poor start to the season, and his troubles seem to be coming to a head in the last few weeks, with Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes questioning the club and the coaches after consecutive defeats. The fans sang his song while booing the players at Old Trafford after the team lost 3-0 to 17th-placed Bournemouth at home.

According to the BBC, work is already underway to identify candidates who could take charge if he is dismissed. Both Howe and Nagelsmann feature prominently on the club’s list and are aware of United’s interest.

Howe, who left Newcastle United in July, is ‘open’ to taking the job. During his five-year spell at St James’ Park, the 48-year-old ended Newcastle’s 56-year wait for a trophy by winning the League Cup in 2025 and guided the club to Champions League qualification twice.

Nagelsmann is also available after leaving his position as Germany head coach following a poor World Cup, after which he was replaced by Jürgen Klopp. The 39-year-old previously managed Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern in 2022.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is another option. The Italian, who left Napoli in June, is also ‘interested’ in the United job. He has won league titles with Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli, while also guiding Chelsea to the Premier League title in 2017.

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery is admired by United, but his contract runs until 2029, making a potential move more complicated. Emery has won five Europa League titles and led Villa to Champions League qualification twice since arriving in 2022.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler and Como manager Cesc Fabregas are also among the names attracting attention. Hurzeler has impressed at Brighton, while Fabregas has earned recognition for his work at Como, guiding the Italian club from Serie B to the Champions League.

If Carrick is sacked, United will be searching for their eighth permanent manager or head coach since Alex Ferguson left in 2013. The club’s next appointment would be tasked with restoring consistency after a difficult start to the campaign.

Read More