Manchester United consider Eddie Howe as Michael Carrick faces sack threat

Manchester United are considering Eddie Howe as a possible replacement for Michael Carrick if the club decide to dismiss their manager in the coming days.

Carrick is under increasing pressure after a difficult spell in charge of the Red Devils, despite having a contract with the club until the summer of 2028.

According to TalkSport, the Manchester United board are discussing the possibility of appointing Howe should Carrick lose his position.

Howe’s candidacy has reportedly been put forward by Manchester United sporting director Jason Wilcox. TalkSport says Wilcox has recommended the former Newcastle manager to the club’s hierarchy, particularly after German coach Fabian Hurzeler turned down the role.

Howe is currently without a club after leaving Newcastle before the start of the current season. He has therefore emerged as an available option while Manchester United assess their next steps.

The club’s poor run has intensified scrutiny of Carrick. United have now gone seven consecutive matches without a victory, with their latest setback coming against Como in the third match of the Champions League league phase.

They are due to face Bournemouth on Sunday in the eighth round of the Premier League. Manchester United are 13th in the table with seven points.

A failure to beat Bournemouth would see United equal their worst run without a win, a sequence that dates back to the 2014-15 season.

Arne Slot also linked with Old Trafford role

Manchester United have also been presented with another potential candidate, according to Dutch broadcaster ESPN.

The report says Arne Slot, the former Liverpool manager, has been offered to Manchester United as a possible successor to Carrick. It adds that Slot has expressed his willingness to take charge of the club.

The developments come as United continue to consider their options following the team’s run of seven matches without a win. Carrick’s position is under threat despite the length of his existing contract, while Howe and Slot have both been identified as possible alternatives.

Wilcox’s support for Howe is understood to be an important factor in the Englishman’s inclusion among the candidates. However, the reports do not state that Manchester United have made a final decision over Carrick’s future or formally appointed a replacement.