Manchester United are considering potential replacements for Michael Carrick amid a disastrous run of results, with INEOS facing mounting pressure to turn the club’s fortunes around.
The Red Devils have won just two of their opening 11 matches in all competitions, with Wednesday’s humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como further intensifying scrutiny of the manager.
United are now without a victory in seven matches, while tensions within the dressing room have also become a growing concern following public comments from Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes.
Club legend Wayne Rooney has been particularly scathing about the players’ conduct, accusing them of refusing to accept responsibility for their performances.
“When Martinez came out, I said this is an absolute nightmare because it will rip the dressing room apart,” Rooney told The United Stand podcast on Thursday.
“We’ve seen it now with Bruno and you’re going to see it with more players because they don’t want to take responsibility.
“These players, they’re selfish. They don’t care about their teammates, don’t care about the manager, the staff or the fans, they care about themselves.”
Despite the growing uncertainty, Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday’s Premier League encounter with Bournemouth, although United are understood to be assessing their options should a managerial change become necessary.
Speaking during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Carrick accepted responsibility for the team’s recent struggles.
“My responsibility is to get a team on the football pitch that represents this football club, represents the supporters, and [one] they can be proud of with the identity we showed,” he said.
“We have gone away from that, just recently in certain games, which I’m totally, fully aware of and definitely doing something about.”
Eddie Howe open to Man Utd approach as INEOS consider Carrick replacements
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Carrick, with United director of football Jason Wilcox reportedly favouring the Englishman.
According to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, Wilcox believes Howe’s extensive Premier League experience makes him an attractive option, while his availability following his Newcastle departure in July could also appeal to INEOS.
And there has now been a potentially significant development regarding Howe’s willingness to return to management.
Writing for The Telegraph, journalist Matt Law reports that Manchester United are one of only a handful of clubs capable of tempting Howe back into work, despite his initial plans to take an extended break from football.
The 48-year-old would reportedly listen to an approach from United, although he would need persuading to return so soon after leaving St James’ Park.
No contact from Old Trafford has been reported yet.
|
Manager |
Current role |
Man Utd links |
|---|---|---|
|
Eddie Howe |
Free agent |
Jason Wilcox’s preferred candidate. Open to an approach. |
|
Free agent |
Favoured by head of recruitment Christopher Vivell. Would reportedly consider an approach. |
|
|
Unai Emery |
Aston Villa |
Admired by United figures, but compensation could cost around £20m. |
|
Free agent |
Interested in the role, although certain conditions would need to be met. |
|
|
Fabian Hürzeler |
Brighton |
Has admirers at United, but no release clause could make an appointment expensive. |
Howe’s reputation grew considerably during his time at Newcastle, where he guided the Magpies to Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025, alongside their historic Carabao Cup triumph.
Former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley previously described Howe as the “perfect manager”, having played a key role in bringing him to the club in November 2021.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has also been full of praise for the Englishman’s work on Tyneside.
“Eddie has done an amazing job at Newcastle. He deserves huge credit. He is a huge challenge, but these matches are why we love our sport.”
With Carrick fighting to save his job, Howe’s apparent openness to a United approach could provide INEOS with an attractive alternative.
However, the club’s immediate focus remains Sunday’s encounter with Bournemouth, where the manager will be desperate to end United’s winless run and ease the pressure on his position.
