Manchester United have collected just seven points from their opening eight Premier League matches this season, a record that leaves them just one point above the relegation zone, albeit at an early stage.
Even prior to the weekend, there was plenty of speculation surrounding Michael Carrick‘s future, with United suffering a 4-1 Champions League defeat at the hands of Como, but the 3-0 loss against AFC Bournemouth may have sealed his fate.
In fact, Jamie Carragher called for Carrick to lose his job, with the Sky Sports pundit of the belief it would be the best outcome for all parties, in light of what was an “uncomfortable” post-match interview.
In truth, there has been a considerable drop-off since the Englishman was handed the job on a full-time basis, and there are clearly problems behind the scenes, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez speaking out in recent weeks.
|
Michael Carrick’s managerial record |
Matches |
Points per match |
|
Man Utd (05/26 – present) |
13 |
1.0 |
|
Man Utd (interim, 01/26–05/26) |
16 |
2.25 |
|
Middlesbrough (10/22–06/25) |
136 |
1.57 |
|
Man Utd (interim, 11/21–12/21) |
3 |
2.33 |
As such, it may be the right time for INEOS to replace Carrick in the dugout, and the frontrunner to replace the 45-year-old has now been revealed.
Man Utd identify Eddie Howe as top target to replace Michael Carrick
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United are now set to sack Carrick, and former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been identified as the top target to replace him, with Jason Wilcox believed to be a keen admirer.
United are expected to make a change ahead of the trip to Chelsea next weekend, and Howe is available, after leaving his role as Newcastle manager in the summer, but there are still some alternative options in the frame.
Julian Nagelsmann is among them, after being replaced as Germany manager by Jurgen Klopp, and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is believed to be particularly fond of the ex-Bayern Munich boss.
However, Howe, who prefers to use a 4-3-3 system, could be a better option, considering he has already built up plenty of experience in the Premier League, taking charge of 369 matches in the competition, and he earned plaudits for the job he did at Newcastle from journalist Charlie Bennett.
Sir Alex Ferguson is also a big fan, and even backed the AFC Bournemouth boss after the Cherries were relegated from the Premier League.
The former Man United boss said: “On young managers, Eddie Howe had a great period at Bournemouth, for a young manager. I think he did very well. Even though he’s relegated it doesn’t mean to say he’s not a good manager, I think he is a good manager.”
