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Michael Carrick is under huge pressure(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
Michael Carrick's position as Manchester United head coach is hanging by a thread with the 45-year-old facing the sack. But if United decide to axe him, which free-agent managers could step in to replace him?
After guiding United to third place in the Premier League season, Carrick was handed the permanent gig in the summer. However, he was given just £153million for transfers and this was put to midfield reinforcements.
In the current season, United have been woeful and following a 4-1 mauling by Como in the Champions League, they welcomed Bournemouth on Sunday desperately requiring a response. None materialised.
Carrick's team were outplayed throughout and succumbed to a 3-0 defeat, leaving them languishing towards the bottom of the table. Chants of "sacked in the morning" echoed from the Cherries' travelling supporters.
While the Old Trafford faithful applauded Carrick as he headed down the tunnel, the consensus among pundits and fans appears to be that the 45-year-old has overseen his final match in the United technical area. So what lies ahead?
An interim appointment such as Darren Fletcher could be deployed once again should Carrick be dismissed, before the club turns its attention towards one of numerous elite free-agent coaches.
Here, MEN have identified seven potential successors to Carrick who are without a club right now...
Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has emerged as a leading contender for the position. He departed St James' Park in July following nearly five years in charge and is currently taking a break from management.
During his tenure at Newcastle, Howe led the Magpies to Champions League football and claimed the Carabao Cup in 2025. His earlier spell at Bournemouth proved equally remarkable, guiding the Cherries to the Championship title in 2015 and securing promotion to the Premier League.
Eddie Howe is one of the names to be linked with Manchester United. (Image: Serena Taylor, Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Former Chelsea and Spurs boss Antonio Conte has publicly addressed the prospect of taking the reins at United. Most recently in charge at Napoli, the Italian is a five-time Serie A winner, having departed Naples in June following his 2024/25 title triumph.
His time at Stamford Bridge also yielded the Premier League and FA Cup. In a lengthy statement released earlier this month, the Italian claimed he remains open to future projects but is not in any negotiations with United or any other club.
Julian Nagelsmann stepped down from his position as Germany head coach following their disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign and currently remains without a club. He previously took charge of Hoffenheim, where he became the youngest manager in Bundesliga history, before moving to RB Leipzig, whom he guided to the Champions League semi-finals.
He subsequently experienced a spell at Bayern Munich and has attracted interest from leading English clubs in the past.
Julian Nagelsmann has been sent a clear Manchester United manager warning(Image: (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images))
Former United coach Kieran McKenna understands what is required to operate at the club - though that appears to have counted for little in Carrick's case. McKenna oversaw United's Under-18s and served under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with the senior squad.
He subsequently departed to take charge of Ipswich Town, where he secured consecutive promotions to reach the Premier League. He has been on a planned break since leaving the Tractor Boys in June, and is a lifelong United supporter.
However, it has been suggested that a substantial compensation package would prove an obstacle for any club wishing to appoint him.
These suggestions venture into the realm of fantasy somewhat, but Gareth Southgate's name has been mentioned in connection with United since he resigned as England manager in July 2024. Under Southgate's stewardship, the Three Lions reached a World Cup semi-final and successive Euros finals.
Southgate's sole experience in club management with Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009 proved unmemorable. Nevertheless, he has previously indicated that he would contemplate a return to club football if the opportunity was suitable.
Gareth Southgate(Image: Getty)
Another former international manager currently available, Roberto Martinez, has consistently been held in high regard. The Spaniard enjoyed stints with Swansea City, Wigan - where he lifted the FA Cup - and Everton before steering Belgium to third place at the 2018 World Cup.
His most recent role came with Portugal, where he claimed the Nations League trophy. His relationship with stars such as Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot could place him in contention, though he remains an outside bet.
Finally, perhaps United take the plunge and hand club legend Solskjaer another opportunity. Many supporters warmed to the Norwegian during his tenure as manager from 2018 to 2021 and his name resurfaced following Ruben Amorim's departure.
The hierarchy may be reluctant to acknowledge they erred in dismissing him five years ago by reinstating him, but he remains available after being sacked by Besiktas in August 2025.
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