Manchester United are considering three manager replacement candidates, with Eddie Howe emerging as the current favourite ahead of Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte.
The club have not made a final decision on Michael Carrick’s future, but are understood to have held discussions with representatives of other managers as they assess their options.
United’s poor start has increased the pressure on Carrick. They have won only two of their opening 12 matches and recently suffered consecutive defeats against Como and Bournemouth.
Manchester United manager replacement candidates
Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel that Howe, Nagelsmann and Conte were the three names being considered, in that order. He stressed that conversations with agents and representatives were a normal part of preparing for a possible managerial change.
“I told you that the three names we should take in consideration as free managers are in this order – Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte,” Romano said.
He added: “United are yet to say ‘okay, let’s go for this coach.’ So the moment is still open but these are three names and obviously to talk with representatives, intermediaries or anyone close to these coaches is absolutely something normal in this situation in this position for Manchester United.”
Any immediate change now appears unlikely, with United seemingly prepared to give Carrick more time despite the growing scrutiny surrounding his position.
Howe’s work at Newcastle is understood to have contributed to his position at the top of the list, while Conte would offer greater experience and a proven record of winning. The raw source also identifies Unai Emery and Cesc Fabregas as managers who could merit consideration, although no firm decision has been made.
