Eddie Howe Open to Manchester United Approach as Carrick Faces Pressure

Eddie Howe has not worked a minute of competitive football since his abrupt exit from Newcastle United midway through preseason, a departure that stunned a fanbase which had watched him drag the club from relegation trouble to European contention and deliver its first domestic silverware in decades.

Now his name is back on the Premier League carousel – and at one of its biggest seats.

On Thursday, Indy Kaila reported on X that Howe would be open to an approach from Manchester United if the club decides to part ways with Michael Carrick after a flat, unconvincing start to the season. According to the report, senior figures at Old Trafford are ready to act if results do not improve quickly.

“Manchester United prepared to act if poor form continues; Eddie Howe understood to be open to approach,” Kaila wrote.

For the moment, Carrick remains in the dugout, his position protected by the simple fact there is no vacancy yet to fill. But the mood around the club is shifting. The report claims United’s owners are growing impatient, frustrated by early domestic cup struggles and a league campaign that has yet to catch fire.

The suggestion is clear: if United pick up the phone, Howe will answer.

“Manchester United's owners are prepared to make an immediate change in the dugout should the club's current form persist, according to sources,” the report states. “It is understood that Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe would be willing to take charge at Old Trafford if formally approached.”

Such a move would haul Howe straight back into Premier League management only months after he walked away from St James’ Park, and drop him into the glare of one of world football’s harshest spotlights with the Red Devils competing in the Champions League this season.

Howe’s stock remains high. Taking over Newcastle in late 2021 with the team hovering near the bottom of the table, he rebuilt confidence, reshaped the playing style and turned the club into a consistent challenger for European places. His surprise summer departure cleared the way for Matthias Jaissle, who is now refitting Newcastle around a remodelled squad after a flurry of high-profile exits and arrivals.

The question now hangs over Old Trafford: if Carrick cannot turn this around, will United test Howe’s reported willingness to return so quickly to the Premier League’s front line?