Michael Carrick’s position as Manchester United manager is under major threat after a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.
Loud boos rang around Old Trafford after another dreadful result extended United’s winless run to eight games. A decision looks set to be made on Carrick’s future imminently, but who could be in the running to replace him?
Manchester United – Favourites to be the next Permanent Manager
Kieran McKenna – 22/1
The ex-Manchester United coach walked away from Ipswich on the eve of the new season, having led the club back into the Premier League. McKenna earned three promotions with Ipswich in just four full seasons at Portman Road before deciding to walk away to take a break from the game.
He previously spent five years at Manchester United, which included various roles from academy level to senior staff.
Unai Emery – 16/1
Perhaps the ideal candidate, Emery’s track record at Aston Villa and in Spanish football makes him a leading option.
Since arriving at Villa Park, Emery has twice guided Aston Villa to Champions League qualification, and ended a 30-year trophy drought with Europa League success last season.
That success made it a record five Europa League trophies, after three with Sevilla and another with Villarreal. All has been achieved with minimal investment, compared to major rivals. Prising him from Villa looks the tricky part, given his control in the Midlands.
Antonio Conte – 9/2
A serial winner who has been open in his desire to try and revive a fallen giants, this appears a good fit – on paper. Conte has won six league titles, with four different clubs, during a decorated managerial career in England and Italy.
However, the fiery Italian rarely sticks around for long, with tensions often surfacing between the head coach and board.
Julian Nagelsmann – 7/2
A free agent after leaving his role with Germany, following a disappointing World Cup exit. It’s easy to forget Nagelsmann is still just 39-years-old, given a career that has already included spells with Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Germany. He led Bayern to the Bundesliga title in 2021/22 and has experience of elite-level demands.
Eddie Howe – 8/11
The steady Eddie that Manchester United need?
Howe stepped down as Newcastle manager in the summer after five seasons at St James’ Park. That period saw Howe steer the club away from relegation worries and lead progress that culminated in two Champions League campaigns and a first domestic trophy in 70 years, after winning the 2025 League Cup.
His experience at both ends of the table could be useful for this version of Manchester United.
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