Michael Carrick or Eddie Howe: Who Should Lead Manchester United?

Who Should Take Charge at Manchester United?

With ongoing speculation about the future at Old Trafford, Eddie Howe is being linked as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager. Paul Parker, a former Premier League champion with the Red Devils, shared his thoughts on the best choice to guide the club.

Carrick’s Early Impact as Interim Manager

When Michael Carrick took over in mid-January after Darren Fletcher's caretaker spell, United hoped he would turn things around. The former player, who enjoyed success with the club on both domestic and European stages, started strongly with wins against rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.

Current Situation: Contract and Results

Carrick signed a two-year deal but questions remain about his future. Despite finishing third last season, United have not spent heavily in the summer transfer window. This has contributed to a poor run, with only two wins from nine games so far this season, including a five-match winless streak across all competitions.

The board is considering drastic measures, especially as ex-Bournemouth and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who left Newcastle in July after nearly five years, might not be available for long.

Paul Parker’s Opinion: Stick with Carrick

Asked whether United should keep Carrick or bring in Howe, Parker said:

"I still think you stay with Carrick. I’m no expert, but looking at Eddie Howe’s past experiences, does he want to face something similar here? He knows spending will be limited. Would he get to bring in his own staff? That’s important for any manager.

"Right now, the club’s situation isn’t ideal for someone ambitious. If you want to make history by winning the league at Manchester United, you’d know it’s not likely given the current circumstances and squad issues.

"The club struggles to move players on, and buying new ones hasn’t solved that problem. Some players seem content just to stay put. Howe’s next move has to be right, with people who share his ambitions. At present, United don’t offer that environment.

"Everyone expects United to compete for titles, but that requires full commitment from everyone involved. That’s missing right now. Some supporters made assumptions without seeing the real challenges at the club."

Current Form and Fixtures

Manchester United have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, and their troubles continue both on and off the pitch. They exited the Carabao Cup early this season and sit 13th in the league with six points from six matches. A recent 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League added to the pressure, with disciplinary issues and post-match frustrations surfacing.

As Carrick faces mounting pressure, United prepare for a challenging fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday.

Upcoming Match

• Date: 18 October 2026
• Time: 16:00
• Competition: Premier League
• Opponent: Leeds United