Eddie Howe is firmly among the contenders to become the next Manchester United manager amid the extremely uncertain future of Michael Carrick.

The former Red Devils midfielder was appointed on a permanent basis over the summer, following an excellent interim spell last year, but he has endured a torrid start to the 2026-27 campaign and he is expected to become the first Premier League sacking of the season.

Man Utd are without a win in their last eight matches across all competitions and they are currently 16th in the English top flight table after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils are only two points ahead of Sunderland in 20th, having won just one of their opening seven league fixtures, and Carrick is believed to be on the verge of being relieved of his duties at Old Trafford.

The Englishman travelled to Man Utd’s Carrington base to lead training on Tuesday morning, but widespread reports suggest that he is unlikely to still be in charge of the club for their trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Saturday.

Antonio Conte, Unai Emery, Julian Nagelsmann and the aforementioned Howe are the four frontrunners to replace Carrick in the Old Trafford dugout, and there is a hidden reason why the latter could be chosen as the ideal candidate.

Eddie Howe to help Man Utd sign Lewis Hall?

Howe is currently available after leaving his role as Newcastle United boss in August and as someone with extensive Premier League experience, it’s no surprise that he is on Man Utd’s list of possible replacements for Carrick.

In addition, he could help the Red Devils secure the signature of Lewis Hall - who is widely regarded as the club’s dream signing for 2027.

Man Utd failed to finalise a deal for the England international over the summer and their hopes of bringing him to Old Trafford took a major hit when he signed a new long-term contract at Newcastle last month.

However, Hall worked with Howe during their time at St James’ Park and the allure of reuniting with his former Newcastle boss could feasibly tempt the defender into a Man Utd transfer.

Howe brought Hall to Newcastle from Chelsea and following the 48-year-old’s exit in August, the England defender posted on Instagram: “A true honour to have played under you during your time here. Thank you will never be enough for everything you have done for me both on and off the pitch.”

Appointing Howe may not be enough to convince Hall to join the club, but Man Utd’s chances of landing the left-back would almost certainly improve if the ex-Newcastle boss arrives as their next manager.