Sources: Man United will consider 48-year-old move if they sack Michael Carrick
Manchester United will consider a move for former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe if they opt to sack Michael Carrick, sources have told Football Insider.
The 48-year-old has been out of work since he left St James' Park in the summer, but he is on the radar at Old Trafford.
United have no plans to sack Carrick at the moment, but Howe is seen as a suitable successor if the board decide that a change becomes necessary.
Sources say that the Englishman ticks "two big boxes" for the Red Devils, given that he has ample experience in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Howe twice led Newcastle into Europe's premier club competition during his tenure, and also secured the Magpies' first domestic trophy since 1955 when they won the Carabao Cup in 2025.
He is held in high regard across the Premier League and has plenty of admirers at Old Trafford.
Man United might have to wait for Eddie Howe
Howe is currently out of work for the first time in five years, but it appears that he is not in any particular rush to return right now.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last week that the boss will be content taking a break from football until the right opportunity comes up.
The ex-recruitment man outlined that Howe won't want to take a step down from his previous role at Newcastle, and is prepared to bide his time to ensure he gets another step up.
He has been installed as the early favourite to replace Carrick, but if United decide to axe their current boss, then they may have to work hard to convince Howe.
United have won just one of their opening five Premier League games, and Carrick needs to turn the team's fortunes around quickly in the coming weeks.
Man United urged to appoint 'experienced figure'
Former Tottenham scout Bryan King told Football Insider last weekend that United need to appoint an "experienced figure" to help Carrick.
King pointed towards Carrick's lack of managerial experience in the Premier League as a potential reason behind the recent poor form.
He urged the club to bolster the boss' coaching staff with a new face, and also believes that United should go down the experienced route if they opt for a change.
Howe fits that bill after several years of Premier League management, and is quickly emerging as a genuine option for United.