According to a report by Metro on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Eddie Howe has become the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager following the club’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the UEFA Champions League.

Carrick is under increasing pressure after United suffered another disappointing result during their trip to Italy on Wednesday night. Cesc Fabregas’ Como side delivered a dominant performance against the Premier League giants, scoring four goals before Joshua Zirkzee netted a late consolation for the visitors.

Nico Paz scored twice, while Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon also got on the scoresheet to complete an impressive victory for the Italian club.

The setback came only days after Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, a match in which Carrick believed his team had shown some encouraging signs. However, the heavy loss to Como has intensified questions about his future, with the report stating that United had managed just two victories in their opening 11 matches across all competitions in the 2026/27 season.

Although Manchester United’s hierarchy had seemingly been prepared to give Carrick additional time to turn things around, another poor performance could increase pressure on the club to consider a change in management.

According to bookmakers Betfair, former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is currently the favourite to take charge at Old Trafford if the club decides to dismiss Carrick.

The 48-year-old has been without a managerial position since leaving Newcastle in July. During his five-year tenure at St James’ Park, Howe helped the club qualify for the Champions League and guided them to victory in the Carabao Cup.

Former Chelsea and Napoli manager Antonio Conte is among the other leading contenders, with odds of 5/1. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is also listed at the same odds as a potential replacement.

Julian Nagelsmann follows at 7/1, while Kieran McKenna is priced at 8/1. Como boss Cesc Fabregas has also entered the conversation, with bookmakers offering odds of 11/1 on his appointment.

Meanwhile, former England midfielder Joe Cole has come to Carrick’s defence, arguing that Manchester United’s difficulties cannot be blamed entirely on the manager.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Cole described the defeat to Como as a humbling experience and suggested that the club’s longstanding structural problems, alongside concerns about the quality of certain players, have contributed to its struggles.

United captain Bruno Fernandes also expressed his disappointment with the team’s poor start against Como. The Portuguese midfielder stressed the need for his teammates to display greater courage and composure when in possession, highlighting concerns about the team's overall performance.

With pressure continuing to mount following the Champions League defeat, Carrick faces an increasingly difficult challenge to restore confidence, improve results and convince Manchester United’s hierarchy that he remains the right person to lead the club forward.