Carrick's Job on the Line: Howe, Nagelsmann and Conte Emerge as Leading Successors

Carrick departed United's Carrington training ground on Monday evening following discussions about his future, according to BBC Sport. The club has begun work on identifying his replacement, with the managerial search already well underway.

Eddie Howe, formerly of Newcastle, heads the list of available candidates. The 48-year-old left St James' Park over the summer and has indicated openness to a United appointment. During five years on Tyneside, Howe secured League Cup victory in 2025 and guided Newcastle to two Champions League qualifications.

Antonio Conte, available since leaving Napoli in June, also features prominently. The Italian has won Serie A titles with Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli, plus a Premier League crown with Chelsea in 2017.

Julian Nagelsmann, sacked by Bayern Munich despite winning the Bundesliga in 2022, is a third strong candidate. The 39-year-old departed the Germany national job after a World Cup last-32 penalty exit to Paraguay.

Unai Emery, Aston Villa's head coach, is admired at Old Trafford but his contract until 2029 makes any deal complicated. Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler is also viewed favourably, though Brighton would resist any approach.

Should Carrick exit, United would be appointing their eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's 2013 departure.