Manchester United have identified Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as their two top targets if they decide to sack Michael Carrick during the November international break.

A 3-2 win over AS Roma in the Champions League in midweek has eased the growing pressure on Carrick, however his long-term future at Old Trafford remains in serious doubt following a hugely underwhelming start to his permanent reign.

The 45-year-old was appointed as the new Man Utd boss in May after an immense spell as interim head coach last season, but the club are already scouring the market for possible replacements amid their torrid run of form in 2026-27.

The Red Devils were expected to part ways with Carrick following a humiliating 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on 25 October, although the decision was made to retain faith in their former player before reviewing the situation when club football paused for the November international break.

The Man Utd hierarchy are still keen to keep Carrick in his post, but there is an awareness of the club’s struggles so far this season and they have now outlined Howe and Nagelsmann as their two top targets for the role, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Antonio Conte, Fabian Hurzeler and Unai Emery have also been heavily linked with the Old Trafford job in recent weeks, however it’s reported that Howe and Nagelsmann are the frontrunners to replace Carrick as things stand.

Roy Keane issues response

Man Utd legend Roy Keane has also been sensationally linked with the Old Trafford job, but he has poured cold water on such rumours by insisting that he is too involved in his punditry to go back to a managerial role.

“These last few years [of prioritising TV punditry over coaching] … there’s no going back now,” he told The Overlap.

“There’s definitely part of me over the last few years that thinks I should still be a manager somewhere. I still feel I could have been a really good manager.

“When you’re in that managerial role, you’re thinking two or three bad results and you could be out the door… that’s a tough rollercoaster. I don’t miss being on that rollercoaster, I just have this feeling that I could have been a really good manager.”