Manchester United managerial candidates reportedly include Unai Emery, Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte as the club evaluates its options amid growing pressure on Michael Carrick following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 season.
According to reports cited by TNT Sports, United’s football leadership is privately assessing potential replacements should Carrick leave his position at Old Trafford. The club is understood to be keen to avoid another costly managerial change during the season.
Carrick delivered an impassioned speech on Friday as he attempted to defend his position and address the problems affecting the team. However, the uncertainty surrounding his future has intensified speculation about who could take charge if United decide to make another change.
Manchester United Managerial Candidates Emerge as Pressure Mounts on Carrick
The four coaches reportedly under consideration bring different managerial philosophies, achievements and expectations regarding control over football operations.
Emery, Howe, Nagelsmann and Conte have all been assessed as possible options, although there has been no official announcement that Manchester United intend to appoint any of them.
The report, based on information published by The Athletic, suggests the club wants to avoid making a third mid-season managerial change in three years since Jim Ratcliffe invested in December 2023.
United’s leadership faces a difficult decision: whether to continue backing Carrick or begin preparations for another appointment if the team’s performances do not improve.
Eddie Howe Emerges as a Strong Contender
Eddie Howe is reportedly considered by some figures within Manchester United to have one of the strongest cases for the job.
The English manager built his reputation at Newcastle United, helping the club qualify for the Champions League twice and ending a 56-year wait for major silverware by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025.
Howe stepped down from his Newcastle position in July after five years in charge, choosing to take a break from management.
His availability could make him an attractive candidate for United, particularly if the club decides it needs a manager with Premier League experience and a proven record of rebuilding a team.
His work at Newcastle demonstrated an ability to improve a club’s competitiveness and establish a clearer footballing identity.
However, any potential appointment would depend on whether Howe wants to return to management and whether United can agree with him on the responsibilities and structure of the position.
Julian Nagelsmann Remains on Manchester United’s Radar
Julian Nagelsmann is another name reportedly attracting attention within Manchester United’s recruitment structure.
The former Germany manager has been linked with the club previously, and Christopher Vivell, United’s director of recruitment, is said to favour him.
Nagelsmann is widely associated with modern tactical approaches, flexible formations and an emphasis on structured pressing. Those qualities could appeal to United if its leadership decides to pursue a manager capable of implementing a distinct playing philosophy.
His potential appointment would nevertheless raise questions about the club’s long-term planning, recruitment priorities and the degree of influence he would receive over squad construction.
United would need to establish whether its existing football structure could accommodate his methods and expectations.
The report does not indicate that an agreement has been reached or that Nagelsmann has been formally offered the position. His inclusion reflects the options reportedly being considered while Carrick’s future remains uncertain.
Antonio Conte Could Demand Greater Authority
Antonio Conte is also reportedly interested in the possibility of managing Manchester United, although his appointment could prove more complicated.
People familiar with Conte’s outlook reportedly believe he would seek firm assurances about his authority before accepting the job.
The Italian manager is known for demanding standards, intense training methods and a strong preference for having significant influence over football decisions.
His supporters could argue that such an approach would help United restore discipline and demand greater responsibility from players after a difficult start to the campaign.
However, his uncompromising style has also contributed to tensions at previous clubs, particularly when disagreements arise over recruitment, executive decisions or expectations.
The report suggests several people close to Manchester United would be surprised if the club pursued Conte because of concerns about possible friction between the manager and the board.
United would therefore have to consider whether his leadership style fits the club’s current structure and whether both sides could agree on the limits of managerial authority.
Unai Emery Faces Questions Over Manchester United’s Structure
Unai Emery completes the reported shortlist of four potential candidates.
The Aston Villa manager is said to be highly regarded within Manchester United, but his expectations regarding control could conflict with the structure established since Ratcliffe became involved in the club.
Emery has built a reputation for detailed tactical preparation and organising teams to compete effectively against stronger opponents.
His work in English football has strengthened his standing, making him a plausible candidate for clubs seeking an experienced manager with a clear tactical approach.
Nevertheless, the question of authority could become decisive if United considers approaching him.
Modern elite clubs increasingly divide responsibilities between head coaches, sporting directors, recruitment departments and executive leadership. A candidate seeking greater influence over transfers and squad planning would need to agree on how those responsibilities are distributed.
That issue could determine whether Emery becomes a serious option or remains a respected name on United’s internal list.
Edu Takes Advisory Role at Northampton Town
Away from the Manchester United managerial speculation, former Arsenal sporting director Edu has taken up a senior advisory position at Northampton Town.
The Brazilian executive, 46, previously worked as Arsenal’s sporting director before leaving the club to become global head of football for a group of clubs associated with Evangelos Marinakis.
That organisation included Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos.
Edu reportedly left the role in September after months of tension with Marinakis. His departure followed reports of disagreements that affected his working relationship with the Greek businessman.
Northampton’s new appointment gives Edu another opportunity to contribute to football operations, this time at a club competing in England’s League Two.
The club has become part of a wider ownership group connected to Gemcorp Capital, which also has links to Bulgarian side Levski Sofia.
Northampton co-chair Joao Xavier confirmed Edu’s appointment as a senior adviser.
Edu is expected to provide his experience alongside his involvement with Levski Sofia, where he joined the board of directors in September.
His background includes experience in player recruitment, squad planning and building a football structure, skills that could prove useful as Northampton develops under its new ownership arrangements.
The appointment also marks another chapter in Edu’s career following his departure from Arsenal and subsequent exit from Marinakis’s multi-club organisation.
Newcastle United Back Matthias Jaissle Despite Mixed Start
Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle is reportedly not facing an immediate threat to his position despite a mixed beginning to life at St James’ Park.
According to the Newcastle Chronicle, the club’s leadership remains prepared to give Jaissle time to establish his methods and improve results.
Newcastle’s defeats against Leeds United and Coventry City have raised questions about the team’s performances, but a more encouraging display against Aston Villa reportedly offered signs of progress.
The club is currently described as sitting 11th in the league and remaining involved in both domestic cup competitions.
That situation has apparently persuaded the leadership that there is no immediate reason to dismiss the head coach.
The report states: “The head coach is not in any danger of the sack.”
It also argues that the club’s decision-makers are unlikely to react simply to criticism on social media or outside pressure.
Newcastle Plan January Transfer Support
Jaissle is reportedly expected to receive another opportunity to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.
The club could provide further backing in the summer, when the manager may have a greater opportunity to recruit players who suit his preferred style of football.
Such support would give Jaissle additional time to improve Newcastle’s performances and establish greater consistency.
The report suggests that only a dramatic decline, particularly if Newcastle became trapped in the bottom three, would force senior figures to reconsider their approach.
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For now, the club appears committed to giving the manager time rather than making a rapid change in response to disappointing results.
The situation contrasts with Manchester United, where Carrick’s position has become the subject of growing speculation and several potential replacements are reportedly being assessed.
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