Manchester: Manchester United are considering potential candidates to replace Michael Carrick, whose position as manager is under severe pressure following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, according to sources speaking to ESPN.
The heavy loss at Old Trafford has intensified scrutiny on Carrick, who secured a permanent contract after taking over as interim manager from Ruben Amorim and guiding the multi-time Premier League champions back into the UEFA Champions League ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Sunday’s setback marked a second major defeat within a week for the club, coming on the heels of a 4-1 loss against Champions League debutants Como on Wednesday. Manchester United are currently struggling near the bottom of the table, occupying 16th place and sitting just one point above the relegation zone while enduring an eight-match winless streak across all competitions.
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann, both currently available, are among the leading contenders being considered to succeed Carrick. Meanwhile, former Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna had impressed senior figures at United during discussions in the summer of 2024 before the club opted to retain Erik ten Hag. Antonio Conte, who left Napoli in the summer, is also understood to be open to discussions if approached by the Premier League club.
Sources indicate that Manchester United conducted extensive background research on managerial targets prior to awarding Carrick a two-year contract following his successful interim spell. The club is reportedly prepared for Carrick’s potential exit.
Addressing questions regarding his managerial future in the aftermath of the Bournemouth defeat, Carrick expressed an understanding of his current position.
“I totally understand the situation,” he said. “I am not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. Carrying on as normal,” he added.