Jason Wilcox has identified 48-year-old English tactician Eddie Howe as the top target to replace Michael Carrick as the new Manchester United head coach.

According to a report by talkSPORT, Michael Carrick is set to be in the dugout when Manchester United face Bournemouth at Old Trafford this weekend. However, they have started working on replacing the former midfielder if he cannot turn around the club’s winless run. Apart from Eddie Howe, several other managers are also on the Premier League outfit’s wishlist.

Eddie Howe and his journey so far

Eddie Howe has been one of the most acclaimed young managers in the Premier League over the past decade. The Englishman was a centre-back as a footballer and spent most of his playing days with Bournemouth.

The 48-year-old became a manager in 2008 by joining Bournemouth as the head coach and spending three years at the Vitality Stadium. After a short spell with Burnley, Howe returned to Bournemouth, and he burst into the spotlight due to the Cherries’ heroics in the Premier League.

Howe left Bournemouth in 2020 before taking his next job at Newcastle United in 2021. The English tactician made his mark at St. James’ Park, taking the club to the UEFA Champions League while winning the EFL Cup in the 2024/25 season, having taken over with the team in the relegation zone. However, after an underwhelming 2025/26 campaign and growing tensions behind the scenes, Howe’s stint with Newcastle ended over the summer.

What next?

Reports immediately after Eddie Howe’s departure from Newcastle United suggested that he would take a break from management. In the meantime, links with many domestic clubs have emerged, with Manchester United showing an interest due to the team’s struggles in the first few months of the 2026/27 season.

Manchester United’s interest in Howe is understandable.

Howe is eager to join a bigger club. Recent reports have linked the former Newcastle United manager with Manchester United and the England job, both possibilities that would appeal to him.