Michael Carrick's future as Manchester United head coach is increasingly uncertain following a defeat to Bournemouth, and the club are now said to be focusing their managerial search on two leading candidates: Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann.

Reports suggest United had considered Aston Villa's Unai Emery and Brighton & Hove Albion's Fabian Hurzeler, but both are regarded as unattainable. Attention has since narrowed to Howe, the former Newcastle United boss, who is understood to be the preferred choice of United's embattled technical director Jason Wilcox.

A costly pursuit

Although Howe left Newcastle United voluntarily in the summer, appointing him would not come free of charge. Chronicle Live reports that Newcastle United are owed significant compensation owing to the years remaining on the contract Howe held when he departed — a deal that was extended as recently as summer 2024 and worth around £6 million per year.

The bill could grow further because Newcastle United also allowed several members of Howe's backroom staff — including Jason Tindall, Stephen Purches, and Simon Weatherstone — to leave alongside him, with the expectation that they would follow him into his next role.

Howe's record and United's need

The 47-year-old built an impressive legacy at St James' Park, guiding Newcastle United back into the UEFA Champions League and delivering the Carabao Cup — the club's first major trophy in 70 years. His teams were characterised by hard work, organisation, and an attacking intent that Wilcox is reportedly keen to restore at Old Trafford.

United's current campaign has been alarming. Carrick's side have managed just two wins from 12 matches across all competitions — a UEFA Champions League victory over Sabah and a Premier League win against Ipswich Town — while suffering a string of heavy defeats.

Tensions within the squad have spilled into public view. Captain Bruno Fernandes was dropped to the bench for the Bournemouth loss after openly criticising Carrick's tactics following a defeat to Como, while defender Lisandro Martinez has also voiced his frustrations. The situation leaves Carrick's position looking precarious.