Eddie Howe has emerged as a leading contender to replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager, but the former Newcastle boss could have a key demand that the Red Devils may have to meet

Manchester United could face a significant recruitment headache if they decide to appoint Eddie Howe as their next manager, with the former Newcastle boss expected to insist on bringing his trusted coaching team to Old Trafford.

Howe has emerged as a serious candidate to take charge at United as uncertainty continues to surround Michael Carrick. The former midfielder is fighting to save his job after Sunday's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, which piled further pressure on the head coach.

United's latest setback left them languishing in 16th place in the Premier League and extended their winless streak in all competitions to eight games, leaving club chiefs facing growing questions over Carrick's future.

According to talkSPORT, United technical director Jason Wilcox is "leaning towards" Howe as the club weighs up its options. Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann are also understood to be among the names under consideration.

However, appointing Howe could require United to make concessions over their existing coaching structure, with Howe having previously demonstrated his determination to work alongside people he knows and trusts.

The former Bournemouth and Newcastle manager stepped down from his position at St James' Park in July after five years in charge. His insistence on bringing his own backroom staff was also a significant factor in the collapse of his proposed move to Celtic in 2021, when the two parties failed to reach an agreement over the personnel he wanted to take with him.

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"I felt that if I was to come into a pressured job like [Celtic], I needed to go in with a sense of stability," Howe told The Athletic in 2022.

"I could have recruited new staff, but then you're working each other out and there's a transition process where it probably takes three, four, five months. That's five months too late. I needed my staff with me and we couldn't get them together."

United would therefore need to consider whether they are willing to accommodate Howe's preferred coaching group should they decide to pursue his appointment. His trusted colleagues include assistant Jason Tindall, first-team coaches Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone, and sports scientist Dan Hodges. All four have previously worked with Howe at both Bournemouth and Newcastle.

There is already a substantial coaching operation at Old Trafford, with Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, Travis Binnion and Craig Mawson among the five members of staff Carrick brought in when he was named interim head coach in January.

It remains to be seen whether those coaches would leave with Carrick if his spell in charge comes to an end, or whether some would remain at the club. The outcome could have a significant bearing on how much scope United have to reshape their backroom team for a new manager like Howe.

United have previously been prepared to accommodate a manager's demands in this area. Ruben Amorim was permitted to bring five members of his coaching staff from Sporting CP when he took charge in 2024, setting a precedent the club could be willing to follow if Howe becomes their leading choice.

Much will depend on whether United decide to act on their interest and how far they are prepared to go to secure their preferred candidate. With the club enduring such a difficult spell, the prospect of a managerial change is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Carrick could yet buy himself more time if he survives the coming days, but United face another daunting test when they travel to Chelsea on Saturday. Defeat at Stamford Bridge would leave them with four losses in five matches, which may pushing Carrick's position beyond the point of recovery.