Manchester United are actively exploring contingency plans for the head coach role, with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann identified as leading candidates should Michael Carrick be relieved of his duties. Carrick's position at Old Trafford has come under serious threat following a dismal start to the campaign, compounded by a chastening 4-1 defeat away to Cesc Fabregas's Como on Wednesday night that has pushed the manager to the brink.
Both Howe and Nagelsmann are aware of United's interest, and their current unattached status makes any potential appointment considerably more straightforward. Howe, 48, is entirely open to taking charge at Old Trafford after leaving Newcastle United in the summer. During his five-year tenure on Tyneside, the former Bournemouth and Burnley boss guided the club to two Champions League qualifications and ended their 56-year wait for silverware by lifting the League Cup in 2025. Nagelsmann, 39, is also available after departing his post with Germany following a World Cup last-32 penalty shootout exit to Paraguay and a quarter-final loss to Spain at Euro 2024. The former Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig tactician previously won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich in 2022.
Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is another free agent keen on the role after leaving Napoli, although the 57-year-old has also been linked with Juventus. Other managers feature on United's radar, including Aston Villa's Unai Emery and Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler, though existing contracts present significant obstacles. Emery has secured two Champions League qualifications at Villa and won the Europa League last term, but his deal runs until 2029. Meanwhile, Brighton have no desire to negotiate over the 33-year-old Hurzeler, creating difficult financial parameters for any potential deal.
Should Old Trafford officials decide to terminate Carrick's tenure, the 20-time English champions will begin the search for their eighth permanent manager or head coach since Sir Alex Ferguson retired following their last league title in 2013. With succession planning already underway, the United hierarchy are weighing up their options to navigate out of their early-season slump.