Eddie Howe may have given a boost to his hopes of becoming the next Manchester United head coach should the club decide to replace Michael Carrick.

United twice came from two goals down to draw 4-4 with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Patrick Dorgu heading in a 96th-minute equaliser.

That draw was not enough to lift United out of the Premier League relegation zone, however, and they will spend the international break in 18th place in the table. According to The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, the indication is that Carrick will stay put for the time being - but a new report has shed further light on the matter.

Man Utd make key decision with Michael Carrick's future unresolved

The Guardian's Jamie Jackson reports that, after United's 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in October, the club's hierarchy decided to give Carrick at least another three games until the international break.

The 2-0 defeat to Chelsea put the head coach under even more pressure, but United responded with a comeback 3-2 win against Roma in the Champions League before Sunday's Villa draw.

It is said that United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, is 'leading the review' over whether Carrick should keep his job beyond the international break, and will consult with chief executive Omar Berrada.

While Wilcox, a Premier League winner as a player with Blackburn Rovers, may well decide to stick with the current head coach, it is notable that his preferred candidate to take over from Carrick is reportedly none other than ex-Newcastle boss Howe.

There is believed to be opposing views among the hierarchy over the identity of the appointment if a change is made, with director of recruitment Christopher Vivell said to prefer Julian Nagelsmann instead.

Howe has been out of work since leaving Newcastle midway through pre-season in the summer, having spent four-and-a-half years in charge at St James' Park. He had previously managed in the Premier League with Bournemouth. Nagelsmann, meanwhile, resigned as Germany boss after they were knocked out at the last 32 stage of the 2026 World Cup.

What Michael Carrick said after Aston Villa draw

Whether United's two stoppage time goals in the second half against Villa prove to be a turning point in Carrick's reign remains to be seen - though fans at Old Trafford made their feelings clear post-match in terms of their hope that Carrick can turn the ship in the right direction.

Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Carrick said he 'expect[s] to move forward and keep working on things we've been working on' to improve United's fortunes.

"We understand the situation. We haven't won enough games," he said. "But I expect to move forward and keep working on things we've been working on, showing a lot of the good in the game today, tighten up on a few mistakes and win football matches."

When asked in his media conference about whether he needed to hold talks with Wilcox about the direction of the side ahead of the January transfer window, or his own future, Carrick replied: "I'm quite clear with what direction the club needs to go in. We just need to win games."