There is also a connection within the club's recruitment structure
Michael Carrick is running out of time to save his job at Manchester United, with the club considering potential replacements after a disastrous run of results.
A 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como was followed by a dismal 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford, intensifying pressure on a manager who initially inspired optimism during his interim spell last season.
Supporters streamed out of the stadium before full-time against Bournemouth, while criticism of Carrick’s tactics from captain Bruno Fernandes has added to the uncertainty.
Although United’s problems extend beyond the head coach, another managerial change under minority owners Ineos is becoming increasingly likely.
Carrick urged his players to demonstrate “sacrifice”, “humility” and “hard work” ahead of the Bournemouth fixture, but United’s performances have raised serious questions about his future.
With the club assessing its options, there are some standout possibilities, each offering a different approach.
Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe is the bookies’ favourite to replace Carrick after his surprise exit from Newcastle United in the summer.
The 48-year-old reportedly wanted a break from management, but the opportunity to take charge at Old Trafford could prove difficult to refuse.
Howe transformed Newcastle from relegation candidates into Champions League regulars, guiding them to their highest Premier League finish in two decades and their first domestic silverware in 70 years.
His teams play energetic, high-intensity football that could appeal to United supporters frustrated by the side’s passive performances.
Howe’s ability to improve players and establish a clear identity makes him a compelling candidate. United need a manager who can deliver immediate results while building a competitive team for the future, and Howe has demonstrated both qualities at Newcastle.
His availability is another advantage, as United would not need to negotiate compensation with another club.
However, success at Old Trafford would depend on whether the club could provide the recruitment support and stability that helped Howe thrive at Newcastle.
Julian Nagelsmann
Julian Nagelsmann would bring tactical flexibility and experience at elite European clubs.
The 39-year-old has managed Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig and led Germany to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 before their disappointing last-32 exit at the 2026 World Cup.
Nagelsmann won the Bundesliga with Bayern in 2022-23 and has developed a reputation for adapting formations, developing players and building sophisticated attacking systems.
Those qualities could help United establish the consistent playing identity they have lacked under successive managers.
There is also a connection within the club’s recruitment structure: United director of recruitment Christopher Vivell previously worked with Nagelsmann at Red Bull.
His appointment would represent an opportunity to build a more sustainable project rather than pursue another short-term fix.
However, tactical innovation alone cannot solve United’s recruitment and squad-building problems. Nagelsmann would need the right players, a coherent strategy and sufficient time to implement his ideas.
Unai Emery
Unai Emery has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top managers, transforming Aston Villa into Champions League contenders and achieving Europa League success.
The Spaniard’s greatest strength is his tactical organisation.
His teams are disciplined, difficult to break down and capable of exploiting opponents through carefully prepared game plans.
At United, where performances have frequently lacked cohesion, his attention to detail could provide a much-needed foundation.
Emery has also demonstrated an ability to improve players and build competitive teams without relying solely on the resources available to Europe’s wealthiest clubs.
But leaving Villa Park would be difficult as Emery is under contract until 2029 and enjoys a lot of influence over his project.
Although Emery could provide the experience and tactical authority United need, he would have little reason to leave a project where he already has the backing and control that managers at Old Trafford have struggled to secure.
Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte could bring the intensity and urgency that have been missing from United’s performances. The 57-year-old is a proven winner.
His demanding methods and tactical discipline could deliver an immediate improvement. Conte also guided Tottenham back into the Champions League after taking charge in 2021.
But his record comes with a major warning because Conte expects strong backing in the transfer market. The Italian has also clashed with club hierarchies.
One of the most infamous came in March 2023 when he gave a scathing assessment of Tottenham’s leadership and players, questioning their ambition.
United need a manager capable of challenging underperforming players, but they also need stability behind the scenes.
Conte could provide the immediate impact they crave, yet his confrontational approach risks creating another crisis.
Conte has also distanced himself from reports of advanced negotiations with any club, meaning United should not assume he is available or interested in the position.
Fabian Hurzeler
Fabian Hurzeler has attracted attention for Brighton’s performances against some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
At 33, the German has developed a reputation for progressive football, intelligent pressing and tactical flexibility.
Brighton’s 3-0 victory over Arsenal earlier this season showcased their capabilities, while their 3-2 Carabao Cup win at Old Trafford demonstrated how effectively Hurzeler’s side could exploit United’s weaknesses.
His appeal goes beyond results. Brighton’s recruitment model and well-established footballing structure have helped create an environment in which coaches and players can develop.
That contrasts with the instability United have experienced under successive managers.
Hurzeler could offer a fresh approach built around a clear playing philosophy rather than another short-term rescue mission.
But replicating his success at Old Trafford would be difficult, particularly given the greater pressure and scrutiny.
Brighton would also have little incentive to lose their manager, making compensation a potential obstacle. Hurzeler’s reported reluctance to leave further complicates the prospect.
Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, with his work at Como attracting growing attention.
He understands elite football from his playing career and is developing a reputation for possession-based, attacking football.
Como’s emphatic 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United brought his coaching credentials into sharp focus.
Fabregas encourages his players to build attacks intelligently, using movement and technical ability to create opportunities.
His approach could give United a clearer identity, although managing a club of their size would represent a substantial step up.
There are also reasons to question whether he would leave Como.
Fabregas is also a minority shareholder in the Italian club and is closely involved in its long-term project. Leading Como through their debut Champions League campaign offers valuable experience as his managerial reputation grows.
He may also prefer to wait for the right opportunity rather than rush into one of football’s most demanding jobs.
Ultimately, Manchester United must look beyond reputation and identify a manager whose philosophy suits the squad and whose ambitions align with its recruitment strategy.
There is also no guarantee that a new manager would result in more stability and a step in the right direction.
Replacing Carrick without addressing the structural problems that have undermined previous appointments would risk repeating the same mistakes.
United do not simply need another manager. They need a coherent plan, the right support and the patience to see it through.
