Manchester United chiefs are set to make a decision on Michael Carrick's future imminently, with Eddie Howe reportedly already starting preparations to replace the 45-year-old at Old Trafford.

Man United's disastrous start to the 2026-27 season continued as they were beaten 3-0 at home by Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon, and it seems like it will only be a matter of time until Carrick loses his job.

Despite having a win percentage of more than 70% when he was in interim charge for the second half of last season, the former Middlesbrough boss has won just two of his 12 games in charge in all competitions this term.

United have now gone eight games without a win, lie 16th in the Premier League table, and have lost two of their three Champions League fixtures, following such a positive start to 2026.

While club chiefs will hold crisis talks to decide where they go next, the rumours about who could replace Carrick at the Theatre of Dreams have inevitably already started.

GIVEMESPORT understands that Howe and Julian Nagelsmann both have their admirers on the Red Devils' board, Fabian Hurzeler of Brighton is appreciated but has no intention of leaving the high-flying Seagulls, and Antonio Conte also has his supporters.

• October 2022 — Carrick began management at Middlesbrough, replacing sacked Championship boss Chris Wilder.
• June 2025 — Middlesbrough sacked Carrick after a second successive season missing the play-offs.
• January 2026 — United dismissed Ruben Amorim and installed Carrick as head coach until May.
• May 2026 — Carrick signed a two-year permanent deal after securing Champions League qualification.
• October 2026 — A 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth extended United's winless run to eight.

Aston Villa's Unai Emery is also a popular choice and has been a target for the club previously, but prising him away from the Midlands outfit where he has so much autonomy would likely prove difficult.

According to the Sun, Howe, who is known to be favoured by director of football Jason Wilcox if a change is to be made, has already started doing his homework on the role.

The 48-year-old has been watching United matches and making notes, according to the report, presumably preparing for the role if it is given to him.

Howe is a Meticulous Manager

Following months out of the game after leaving Newcastle, it's no surprise to hear that Howe would be doing his homework on United, should Carrick leave, and he is the one chosen as his successor.

Howe was known for his hard work during his time at St James' Park, and it is publicly known that he arrived first at the training ground, and left after everyone else, on most days.

The former Bournemouth boss is known for his meticulous approach when it comes to preparing his team and the tactics he will use to down opponents, and it can only be a good thing that he is already doing the same for a job he might not even get.

Howe, described as 'one of the best' managers by former player Tim Krul, said he needed a break after stepping down as Newcastle boss in the summer, but after a few months out he may see this as the perfect opportunity to get back into football in a job where there is big potential, even after how the last few years have gone.

The 48-year-old transformed Newcastle, with the help of PIF, from Premier League relegation strugglers to Champions League qualifiers in the space of 18 months after replacing Steve Bruce in 2021, and he will also believe that he can lift a United side that has started the season so poorly.

Howe brought together a heavily divided club after taking over at Newcastle, and if he can get the fans and players working together in unison again, he could prove to be a genius appointment.