Michael Carrick’s future as Manchester United head coach is in serious doubt after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth left the club’s hierarchy considering a change in management.
United are weighing up possible replacements for Carrick, with former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe among the leading candidates. Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte and former Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna are also potential options as the club assess their next move.
Carrick said he was not expecting any particular decision over his position after the defeat at Old Trafford, but admitted United’s results had not been good enough.
“I totally understand the situation,” he said. “I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. Carrying on as normal and I love this place.”
The 45-year-old was handed a two-year contract in May after a successful interim spell, but the latest defeat has increased the pressure on him. United have now gone eight matches without a win in all competitions and sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation places.
Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson scored for Bournemouth, who inflicted another damaging defeat on United five days after their 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League.
Howe is understood to be a leading choice should United decide to make a change. His Premier League experience is viewed favourably by Jason Wilcox, the club’s director of football. Nagelsmann, the former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach, is also highly regarded by United’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell.
Michael appreciated the support of Old Trafford today ❤️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2026
Conte, who left Napoli in the summer, would be open to talks if approached. McKenna also impressed United’s hierarchy during discussions in the summer of 2024, before the club opted to retain Erik ten Hag.
Unai Emery is another admired candidate, although appointing the Aston Villa manager would be more expensive because of the compensation required to release him from his contract.
Carrick’s team selection also attracted attention after Bruno Fernandes was left out of the starting lineup and remained an unused substitute. The United captain had criticised the team’s tactics after the defeat to Como, but Carrick insisted his decision was based on footballing reasons.
“There’s always times when you’re trying to make decisions that are to change the course of play and made a difference, but those are the decisions we made today,” he said.
Carrick also rejected suggestions that his applause for supporters at the final whistle was a farewell. He had acknowledged the Stretford End before heading down the tunnel, after which Fernandes and other United players were booed.
“It wasn’t a farewell from me,” Carrick said. “I’m feeling it for my players, they’re going through a tough spell. Some of it we can help, some of it the situation unravels and the boys are feeling it at the moment. Mixed emotions for the supporters to respond in that way.
“To have that connection with the supporters, it’s mixed emotions, it’ll take a bit of time to digest but I certainly appreciate their support. The situation is where we are and we haven’t had results or performances that have been good enough.”
💬 Harry Maguire on the week ahead.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2026
Harry Maguire, who captained United in Fernandes’ absence, said the players continued to support their manager but accepted they needed to take responsibility for the team’s poor form.
“Coming into the team last season he turned things around and got Champions League football this season,” Maguire said.
“As individuals, we’re not playing well enough. We have to look at ourselves and find something within ourselves to bring more to the team. That’s every player that I’m talking about. When things aren’t going your way you have to do the basics well.”
