Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith believes Eddie Howe is the “favourite” to succeed Michael Carrick as Man Utd head coach.

The Red Devils have opted to keep Carrick in charge for the match against Chelsea this weekend, but another bad result would raise further doubts about his future at Old Trafford.

Speaking exclusively to Man U News (courtesy of Best Betting Sites UK) about the main candidates to replace Carrick, Smith said that former Newcastle boss Howe is the most likely appointment:

“You’d imagine Eddie Howe, perhaps, is favourite. He knows the Premier League very well. Conte, quite combative, and he can be combustible, can’t he? I think Unai Emery, that’s going to be too expensive to get him out of Villa. That’s going to cost a lot of money. And I’m not sure he’d fancy working under the hierarchy that exists at United. So perhaps, perhaps, Eddie Howe.”

Howe is the man favoured by Wilcox AND Ratcliffe

It is believed that the 48-year-old has the backing of Director of Football Jason Wilcox, with minority owner Jim Ratcliffe likely to agree with the recommendation amid reports he is seeking a homegrown appointment if United part ways with Carrick.

Fans will, of course, have serious misgivings about the judgement of the two men, who have repeatedly made mistakes when appointing managers since INEOS took charge of the club’s footballing operations.

Why are Man Utd keeping faith with Carrick?

There was a great deal of surprise earlier this week when the club decided to retain the current manager’s services, despite a run of 8 games without a win in all competitions.

The performance against Bournemouth last weekend was so dire that many felt that Carrick’s position was untenable. Yet, after crisis talks, he kept his job.

It has been suggested that INEOS are simply waiting until the next international break to make a decision. In the meantime, though, speculation about the manager is running rife.