Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces mounting pressure after the club’s worst Premier League start since 1986 and a six-match winless run across all competitions.
United drew 1-1 with Leeds United at Elland Road on October 19. That result was followed by a 4-1 Champions League loss to Como, then Premier League defeats to AFC Bournemouth (3-0), Chelsea (2-0), and Aston Villa.
TOP NEWS
The club exited the Carabao Cup in the first round last month. Carrick led United to Champions League qualification as interim manager last season but has not yet shown he is the long-term answer.
United fired Erik ten Hag in October 2024 and Ruben Amorim in January 2026 — making managerial changes in each of the past two seasons.
Eddie Howe, 48 and unattached after stepping down from Newcastle United in August, received a 3/5 suitability rating. He won the 2025 Carabao Cup and guided Newcastle into the Champions League twice. Some analysts question whether his steady approach matches United’s need for transformative leadership.
Antonio Conte, 57 and unattached after leaving Napoli this summer, earned a 2/5 rating. He won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2016–17 and domestic league titles in Italy with Juventus, Inter Milan, and Napoli. His previous club roles ended in disputes, and he has not held a job longer than two years since 2014.
Kieran McKenna, 40 and unattached after departing Ipswich Town this summer, received a 2/5 rating. He earned promotion from League One and the Championship with Ipswich but oversaw relegation in his only Premier League season.
Fabian Hürzeler, 33 and currently managing Brighton & Hove Albion, earned the highest rating at 4/5. His aggressive tactics and a 3-0 win over Arsenal in October highlighted his coaching profile — but his May contract extension with Brighton and United’s financial constraints make recruitment unlikely.
Julian Nagelsmann, 39 and unattached after Germany’s World Cup round-of-32 exit and his departure from Bayern Munich, scored 1/5. His tactical reputation remains strong, but recent high-profile failures and reported clashes with senior players diminish his appeal.
Thomas Tuchel, 53 and England manager through Euro 2028, was rated 4/5 — but is unavailable. He previously interviewed for the United job in 2024, though talks collapsed.
Carrick described the Leeds draw as a “fresh start” — but subsequent results have deepened the crisis.
According to The Associated Press, United are closer to the Premier League relegation zone than the top four following the 1-1 draw at Leeds United on October 19.
More: Premier League · Soccer · Manchester United
