Eddie Howe backed for Man Utd job as pundit urges him to ‘stay away’

By Ihuoma Inyama

Eddie Howe has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United, but former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling has urged the former Newcastle boss to steer clear of Old Trafford.

Carrick’s position has come under increasing pressure following United’s poor run of results, with Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth coming just days after a 4-1 loss to Como. United have now suffered six defeats in 12 games across all competitions and sit 16th in the Premier League. 

With the club’s hierarchy holding discussions over Carrick’s future, director of football Jason Wilcox is understood to favour Howe as his preferred replacement. The 48-year-old has been without a club since leaving Newcastle in July, meaning United would not have to negotiate compensation with another club. 

However, Stelling believes Howe should think carefully before accepting the challenge.

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Speaking on talkSPORT, he argued that the concerns surrounding United should apply to managers as well as players, saying: “The same applies to managers. People talk Eddie Howe, if I’m Eddie Howe I’m not going anywhere near this. I know it’s Manchester United.”

Howe’s availability and Premier League experience have nevertheless made him an attractive option for United. During his time at Newcastle, he guided the club back into the Champions League and ended their long wait for a domestic trophy by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025. 

The former Newcastle manager could also arrive with a familiar coaching structure. TEAMtalk reports that his former assistant Jason Tindall and first-team coach Stephen Purches would be willing to reunite with Howe at Old Trafford if he is appointed. 

Howe is not the only name being considered, with former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann also reportedly in contention. United’s recruitment chief Christopher Vivell is understood to favour the German, while other managers including Antonio Conte, Unai Emery and Fabian Hurzeler have also been linked with the vacancy. 

For now, Carrick remains in the job, but the pressure surrounding his position has intensified. If United decide to make a change, Howe appears to be one of the quickest options available, even as questions grow over whether taking the Old Trafford job would be the right move for him.