Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe are the leading candidates to become Manchester United’s next manager if Michael Carrick leaves the club, according to Sky Sports News.
The former Bayern Munich manager and former Newcastle boss are both available immediately and would not require Manchester United to pay compensation, with the club beginning to consider its options amid growing uncertainty over Carrick’s position.
Sky Sports News reporters Daniel Khan and Rob Dorsett say the search could reach a decisive stage soon, as Manchester United assess whether a change in the dugout is needed.
Howe’s position is particularly notable because he said after resigning as Newcastle manager in July that he wanted to take time away from football to recharge. However, sources cited by the network indicate he could be willing to open talks with Manchester United if the manager’s job becomes vacant.
The Englishman may also have support within the club. Wilcox, Manchester United’s current sporting director, is understood to favour appointing a manager with experience of the Premier League. Howe’s previous work with Dan Ashworth, Manchester United’s former sporting director, could also work in his favour, having collaborated during their time at Newcastle.
Nagelsmann, meanwhile, has an established professional relationship with Christopher Vivell, Manchester United’s head of recruitment. The pair previously worked together at German club RB Leipzig, a connection which could strengthen Nagelsmann’s prospects in the process.
Nagelsmann is also currently without a coaching role after leaving his position as Germany manager. According to the report, Germany were eliminated from the World Cup in the last 32 after losing to Paraguay during the summer.
Unai Emery and Antonio Conte are also included among the possible candidates. Emery remains manager of Aston Villa, while Conte is the former manager of Chelsea and Tottenham, but neither is currently considered to be at the front of the race.
Sky Sports News reports that Emery remains committed to his project at Aston Villa, making his appointment less likely at this stage. Conte’s availability and position in the process were not placed ahead of Nagelsmann or Howe.
Time is also a factor for Manchester United. The club has only six days before its next match, against Chelsea on Saturday, increasing the pressure on the leadership to clarify Carrick’s position and decide who should oversee the team’s next phase.
The uncertainty surrounding the managerial role has therefore brought both immediate planning and longer-term direction into focus, with Nagelsmann’s existing relationship inside the club and Howe’s Premier League experience emerging as important elements in the decision.
