Eddie Howe delivers clear response after 'Man United approach' as board wait to pull trigger

Howe is open to the Manchester United job if Carrick is sacked; the club will decide on the manager's future after the November international break.

Eddie Howe has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United should the club decide to make a managerial change. Reports suggest initial contact has already been made between the relevant parties, with Howe understood to be willing to consider the role, though any appointment would require negotiations. United would need to pay Newcastle around £3 million in compensation to secure his services.

Carrick's position has come under increasing pressure following a poor start to the season. United sit 16th in the Premier League with just one win from eight matches and are without a victory in their last nine games across all competitions, including heavy Champions League defeats to Atletico Madrid (2-0) and Como (4-1). Recent Premier League losses to Bournemouth and Chelsea have intensified calls for change.

However, United's hierarchy have decided to retain Carrick for now, with senior figures unable to agree on a replacement. The club has privately agreed to give the 45-year-old until the November international break before determining whether a managerial change is necessary. Christopher Vivell, United's director of recruitment, is also understood to be interested in Julian Nagelsmann, having already made an approach to the former Germany and Bayern Munich manager.