Sir Alex Ferguson has previously delivered his own verdict on one of the reported ‘frontrunners’ to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United.

On Sunday, United were back in Premier League action, with Carrick under huge pressure after a 4-1 Champions League defeat vs Como on Wednesday night. While many Red Devils fans expected a much-improved performance against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, they were left disappointed again as the hosts were easily dispatched.

Goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson sealed a comfortable 3-0 win for Bournemouth, piling further misery on Carrick as his players were booed off the Old Trafford pitch at full-time. As a result, Sky Sports reports that Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe are two of the leading candidates to replace Carrick if United do decide to make a change.

Englishman Howe has been out of a job since leaving Newcastle United in the summer, with the 48-year-old believed to be one of many potential candidates on United’s shortlist.

Sir Alex Ferguson Made His Feelings Clear on Eddie Howe

Speaking to SPORTbible back in 2021, United legend Ferguson spoke about Howe’s performances as a manager.

The Scotsman was full of praise for Howe, particularly for the job he did at Bournemouth. Ferguson said: “On young managers, Eddie Howe had a great period at Bournemouth, for a young manager.

“I think he did very well. Even though he’s relegated, it doesn’t mean to say he’s not a good manager; I think he is a good manager.”

At the time, Ferguson also picked out Scott Parker as someone who had impressed him. He added: “I think the boy Scott Parker at Fulham has done a great job. I’ve watched them a lot and they keep playing their football.

“They don’t change and don’t panic. They stick with the beliefs of their manager and I think that’s a great indication of how good he is.”

Following United’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth, ex-Liverpool and England star Jamie Carragher stated that this is now the right time to make a decision on Carrick’s future.

The former defender, who won the Champions League with Liverpool, claimed on Sky Sports that the current situation is ‘no good’ for both Carrick and United.

He said: “Michael Carrick needs to be relieved of his duties tonight. Not just for the good of Manchester United but also for the good of Michael Carrick. It has become untenable.”