Jamie Redknapp has identified Unai Emery and Eddie Howe as the only two managers Manchester United should consider replacing Michael Carrick if the club decides to sack him.

According to a report by Metro on Sunday, November 1, 2026, the former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder believes Emery and Howe are the strongest candidates to take charge at Old Trafford amid growing uncertainty over Carrick's future.

Carrick came under further pressure on Saturday after Manchester United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, extending their winless run in all competitions to nine matches.

Morgan Rogers opened the scoring shortly after half-time before Lisandro Martinez was sent off for a second bookable offence. Cole Palmer subsequently converted the resulting penalty to secure all three points for Xabi Alonso's side.

The defeat left United 17th in the Premier League table, above the relegation zone only on goal difference after nine matches.

Although Carrick had reportedly been given an opportunity to turn the situation around, the team's continued struggles have intensified discussions about potential replacements.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp suggested there were only two realistic options if United decided to make a managerial change.

"There are only, I think, two runners," he said. "Listen, Michael Carrick is still in the job so it’s unfair to be saying it.

"But if that’s the case, if this doesn’t improve, it’s inevitable that he’s going to lose his job. It can only be him [Emery] really and Eddie Howe."

Redknapp believes Emery would be an outstanding appointment because of his managerial experience and achievements with Aston Villa.

However, he questioned whether the Spaniard would be willing to leave Villa Park, where he enjoys considerable influence over the club's footballing project.

The former England international also mentioned Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann but indicated that Emery remained his preferred candidate.

"With his abilities, he would probably be the only one that I would trust to be able to do it," Redknapp added.

"I don’t believe anyone else is just going to go in there with a manager and an assistant and change it. There are so many things behind the scenes that need to change."

United now face pressure to arrest their decline, with their upcoming fixtures offering Carrick an opportunity to improve results and ease concerns surrounding his position.