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A new contender to succeed Michael Carrick has emerged amid claims that Manchester United have doubts about Eddie Howe. Despite the superb comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League, Carrick remains on thin ice following a torrid start ot the season. He had been expected to be sacked following the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth before being given more time to turn things around after crunch talks between United chiefs. Victory over Aston Villa on Sunday should buy him more time, while defeat could push him closer to the exit door.
Numerous big names have been linked to the job, including Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann. Howe is on the market after leaving Newcastle in the summer and would be a popular choice among some fans.
However, according to the Independent, United are 'much less sold' on the former Bournemouth manager than is widely believed. The same report says Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness is highly rated.
Hoeness's stock is high after leading Stuttgart to Champions League qualification and Germany Cup glory since inheriting a side in relegation danger in 2023. Hiring the 44-year-old would draw parallels with the appointment of Ruben Amorim, who was on a similar upward curve with Sporting CP before his ill-fated spell at Old Trafford.
United are reportedly determined to end their cycle of caretaker managers if they decide to part ways with Carrick. Temporary appointments have become a familiar fallback at Old Trafford in recent times.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer originally stepped in on an interim basis before earning the permanent role, while Ralf Rangnick was brought in to see out the campaign following the Norwegian's dismissal in November 2021. Carrick himself had a spell as caretaker over the second half of last season.
However, according to Sky Sports, director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada would prefer a permanent successor over another short-term fix if they decide to dispense with Carrick, who, for now, has the club's backing.
Carrick is urging the team to build on the morale-lifting win over Roma when they face Villa. He said: "It was a fantastic night as a one-off night. It was a good night for us all, but nothing has been achieved yet. It's one moment we need to use to move forward.
"When you watch the game [against Roma] back, the first half wasn't so bad. There were moments when we left ourselves short, and we need to fix them.
"The first half against Chelsea was very good. We're showing signs of improvement, no doubt, and we need to take that forward."
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