Would Eddie Howe Be The Right Fit For Manchester United?
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during the pre-season friendly match at Ashton Gate, Bristol. Eddie Howe has left his role as head coach of Newcastle, the Press Association understands. Picture date: Wednesday July 29, 2026. (Photo by David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images)
PA Images via Getty Images
Michael Carrick might have received backing from Manchester United’s ownership this week, but few believe the former midfielder will be in place as the club’s manager for much longer. Discussion has turned towards who might replace Carrick if and when the decision to replace him is finally made.
A shortlist of names has been discussed in the media recently with Eddie Howe among those mentioned. Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte have also been the subject of much debate, but Howe is the bookmakers’ favourite to be the next permanent manager to take over at Old Trafford.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Manchester United Head Coach / Manager Michael Carrick reacts during a training session at Carrington Training Ground on October 28, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United via Getty Images
In many ways, Howe would be an underwhelming appointment. The 48-year-old departed Newcastle United before the start of the season following a disappointing 2025/26 campaign that saw the Magpies finish a lowly 12th in the Premier League table. Some Newcastle fans were grateful for a fresh start under a new head coach.
Howe, however, is known for being a true coach in the way he takes a hands-on role on the training pitch. At Bournemouth and Newcastle, he established a culture that got the best out of limited squads. Newcastle had the backing of its Saudi Arabian owners, but PSR restricted what it could spend on players.
As Newcastle United manager, Howe ended the club’s long wait for a major trophy by winning the Carabao Cup two years ago. He led the Magpies into the Champions League twice and made a good account of himself against some of the continent’s best. Howe achieved a lot during his time at St James’ Park.
And yet Howe’s appointment by Manchester United wouldn’t exactly scream ambition. This is a club that wants to climb back to the top of English and European soccer. Howe has no experience of operating at such levels of the game. It would take a leap for him to be the manager Manchester United supporters want for their team.
Antonio Conte Head Coach of SSC Napoli applauds fans at the end of the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona Naples Italy on 24 May 2026. (Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
United is in such a difficult position right now, though, that the best managers in the game might not be interested in the job. Conte has won some of the sport’s biggest prizes, but flamed out in his last Premier League position at Tottenham Hotspur. Otherwise, soccer’s proven winners would be wise to steer clear of Old Trafford.
Currently sitting 16th in the Premier League table, Carrick is fighting for his job with Manchester United away to Chelsea this weekend on the back of an eight-game winless run in all competitions. A ninth straight game without a win might push United to make a change, but Howe doesn’t satisfy all the criteria for Carrick’s replacement.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.