Manchester United have endured a difficult opening to the 2026/27 campaign after making Michael Carrick their permanent head coach.
Carrick earned the position after guiding United to third place last season, securing Champions League qualification following an impressive interim spell.
However, United have collected only five points from their opening five Premier League matches this term and currently sit 12th.
Their slow start has inevitably generated speculation about Carrick’s position, despite the club continuing to support its former midfielder.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe remains available after ending his successful spell with Newcastle United following the 2025/26 season.
Howe won the Carabao Cup with Newcastle and twice guided the Magpies into the Champions League during his time in charge.
His availability has subsequently led to questions over whether Manchester United could consider him if they eventually make a managerial change.
According to The Telegraph, Howe would enter the conversation if United decided to dismiss Carrick. However, the 48-year-old currently has no plans to return to management.
Howe is currently focusing on his break from football and would only consider returning to club management for an exceptional opportunity.
Any immediate switch to Old Trafford therefore appears unlikely, regardless of speculation surrounding United’s managerial position.
Furthermore, United are not currently planning to dismiss Carrick, according to reports, while the club have made no approaches to alternative coaches.
The United hierarchy continue to back Carrick and believe the majority of the squad support his ideas.
Howe could become a candidate if circumstances change, but neither he nor Manchester United currently appears ready to pursue that possibility.
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