Manchester United is exploring multiple managerial candidates to replace Michael Carrick if he loses his job following the club's poor start to the season.
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are the leading contenders. Howe, 48, left Newcastle in July after five years in charge, during which he secured two Champions League qualifications and won the League Cup in 2025. Sources indicate he is open to joining United. Nagelsmann, 39, departed as Germany head coach after the summer World Cup, having previously managed Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.
Antonio Conte, 57, is also interested in the role. The Italian has been available since leaving Napoli in June. He won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2017 and the FA Cup in 2018, and has won Serie A titles with Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is admired at United but remains under contract until 2029, which would complicate any approach. Emery, 54, has guided Villa to Champions League qualification twice since 2022 and has won five Europa League trophies.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, 33, is well regarded at United but would be difficult to recruit given his contract and financial costs involved. He guided St Pauli to Bundesliga promotion in 2024.
Cesc Fabregas, 39, currently managing Como in Italy, is also considered one of Europe's best young coaches after steering the club from Serie B to Champions League qualification. Como defeated United 4-1 this week.
Carrick's position has deteriorated sharply following recent results. If dismissed, he would be United's eighth permanent manager or head coach since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013. Howe, Nagelsmann and Conte being available makes their appointments more straightforward than recruiting Emery or Hurzeler.