Eddie Howe Open to Manchester United Talks as Carrick Stays Under Pressure

Michael Carrick remains in charge of Manchester United despite their six-point start to the Premier League season, with the club unwilling to make an immediate change after only six matches. Eddie Howe, currently without a club after leaving Newcastle United in the summer, is open to talks should the Old Trafford post become available.

Carrick retains time to arrest United slide

United are 13th in the table after taking six points from their first six league games, their latest outing ending in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham. The results have increased pressure on Carrick, but the board believes an early-season dismissal would be premature.

Carrick earned the permanent role after steering United back into the Champions League last term, and that achievement has given him credit with the hierarchy. He is expected to receive an opportunity to restore performances and revive the form that secured European qualification.

1. Carrick guided United into the Champions League last season and was handed the permanent job.
2. United then opened the new league campaign with six points from six fixtures.
3. A 1-1 draw against Tottenham left the team 13th.
4. The club are standing by Carrick for now, while assessing alternatives if the downturn continues.

Howe viewed as credible contingency

Howe has emerged as a leading potential replacement should United’s position change in the coming weeks. The 48-year-old English coach sees the United role as an appealing next step and would be prepared to engage with club officials if Carrick were removed.

United rate Howe’s Premier League record and his experience of Champions League management. His work at Newcastle strengthened his standing after he took over in 2021 with the club in serious danger of relegation.

He transformed Newcastle’s outlook, leading them into Europe’s elite competition and delivering their first major domestic honour for 70 years. Howe left during the summer, with Matthias Jaissle appointed as his successor.

What happens next

INEOS are not preparing a reactionary move, but the pressure on Carrick will rise sharply if United fail to improve results and performances. Howe’s availability gives the club a proven option should the board decide that a change is necessary.

• Carrick is still backed despite United’s 13th-place position.
• United have taken six points from six Premier League matches.
• Howe is unattached following his summer departure from Newcastle.
• Any managerial decision will depend on whether Carrick can quickly reverse the current slump.