Manchester United have made their worst start to a league season since 1986. They exited the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle last month and are closer to the Premier League relegation zone than the top four following Sunday's 1-1 draw at Leeds United, so the pressure is mounting on manager Michael Carrick.
That trip to Elland Road extended United's winless run in all competitions to six games ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League trip to Serie A's Como. But Carrick said that the result against Daniel Farke's side marked a "fresh start" for his team.
United have dismissed a manager in each of the last two seasons, however, -- Erik ten Hag was fired in October 2024, followed by Ruben Amorim in January 2026.
So with results continuing to be disappoint and Carrick, who guided United to Champions League qualification as interim manager last season, struggling to prove he is the man for the job, who are the most likely candidates to replace the 45-year-old at Old Trafford if he fails to inspire a change of fortune?
Here are the managers on United's radar -- and the prospects of them being the next one to take on one of football's biggest, and toughest, jobs.
Manchester United have struggled this season, but which managers could step in to replace Michael Carrick if the club sack him? Getty Images Eddie Howe (unattached) Positives The 48-year-old is taking a break from the game after stepping down as Newcastle United manager in August following almost five years in charge. During his time at St James' Park, Howe saved the club from relegation after taking charge in November 2021 before guiding the team to Champions League qualification on two occasions and ending a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025.
Howe is a proven Premier League manager with a track record at Newcastle and Bournemouth. He is a team builder, tactically astute and his ability to transform the fortunes of players like Joelinton and Dan Burn at Newcastle would appeal to United, whose squad is stacked with players who are failing to live up to their potential. Another key element with Howe is his immediate availability.