Next in Line: Howe and Nagelsmann Top Choices for Man Utd if Carrick is Axed

The pressure is mounting on Michael Carrick at Manchester United. If his tenure were to end, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are emerging as strong candidates to step into the role. Carrick's job at Old Trafford is increasingly precarious, especially after a rocky start to the season. The club is reportedly busy assessing potential successors, with Howe and Nagelsmann high on the list of favorites. Both managers are aware of United's interest, and that could make for an intriguing situation. There's also admiration for Aston Villa's Unai Emery, but his contract could complicate any move for the Spanish tactician. Howe, Nagelsmann, and Antonio Conte are all currently without jobs, which could streamline the process of bringing one of them on board. According to various sources, former Newcastle boss Howe is keen on the idea of joining United should Carrick’s position be terminated. Nagelsmann, who parted ways with the German national team after a disappointing World Cup, is also available. Meanwhile, Conte, who has been linked with both United and Juventus, is eager to make a return to management after leaving Napoli in May. Should Carrick be let go, the club would be searching for their eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's legendary era ended in 2013. Eddie Howe, who left Newcastle in July, has been out of the game since. The 48-year-old led the Magpies to a League Cup victory in 2025, ending a 56-year trophy drought, and he also secured two Champions League qualifications during his five-year tenure. Antonio Conte, renowned for his winning pedigree, has been out of work since his Napoli exit in June. He boasts a remarkable track record, having clinched Serie A titles with Juventus, Inter Milan, and Napoli, plus a Premier League crown with Chelsea in 2017. Julian Nagelsmann, just 39, is another name that’s generating buzz. After leaving the German national team following a World Cup exit, he’s looking for a new challenge. Previously, he made a name for himself at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig before a tenure at Bayern Munich, where he won the Bundesliga in 2022. Unai Emery has also garnered interest for his impressive work at Aston Villa, where he led the team to Champions League qualification twice. However, his contract runs until 2029, making a move quite difficult. Brighton’s promising manager, Hurzeler, is another option that has caught United's eye, yet the Seagulls may not be willing to let him go easily given his current success at the club. Lastly, former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas is gaining recognition for his coaching potential after leading Como to a significant victory over United, further intensifying the scrutiny around Carrick’s future. As the situation develops, United fans will be watching closely to see who might take the helm next.