Manchester United would apparently consider Eddie Howe if they sack Michael Carrick, and the former Newcastle United manager has already decided on the position

Eddie Howe is open to becoming Manchester United's head coach as Michael Carrick fights for his future at the club.

Howe stepped down from his role at Newcastle United almost three months ago, saying at the time that he would take a break to recharge. The only other break during his managerial career was the 15 months between his second stint at Bournemouth and taking over from Steve Bruce.

That change took place in time for the November international break, which is now just two and a half weeks away this season. Carrick, however, already appears on the brink.

OPINION

The boyhood Newcastle fan is set to be in charge for this weekend's match against Bournemouth. Howe, though, is one of three coaches said to have their eyes on the job, according to the BBC.

United would also apparently reciprocate by considering him for any vacancy. Howe was linked last autumn when Ruben Amorim was under pressure, but distanced himself at the time.

Roy Keane backed him to replace the Portuguese head coach, saying on Sky Sports in January last year: "I'd go with Eddie Howe. I like him, I like what he's done. He's managed a lot of games.

"When his teams are at it, they'll play good football. He has his critics, but I like what he's done at Newcastle.

"He's managed seven or 800 games. He's still a young man. I love his calmness. Maybe Man Utd need a little bit of that."

Dwight Yorke has now described an out-of-work Howe as one of the 'standout' candidates to replace Carrick. He said on Keys & Gray Unleashed: "The Eddie Howe scenario will raise a few eyebrows, and yes, a man with a little bit more experience who has obviously done what he's done at Bournemouth and at Newcastle.

"It's a different managerial level when you come in at Manchester United, but you ask yourself the question: who is out there, and who will take it?"

Yorke continued: "Who is out there? Howe would be one of those guys who stand out out there at the moment. He's not in a job, looking for a job. But if you expand it out there even more, who else is out there?

"There is nobody else, and that's why Carrick will survive for a little bit longer. There are no top managerial candidates out there who can come in and really excite the people and the fans at Manchester United."