Manchester United could indeed be weighing up a move for Eddie Howe as a replacement for Michael Carrick, should the club hierarchy decide to make a change.
Having been appointed as the permanent manager in May after guiding the team to Champions League qualification, Carrick now finds himself under immense pressure following what has been the worst start to a season for the club in 40 years.
With only two victories so far, United have struggled to secure wins against rivals Manchester City and Tottenham, both of whom were down to ten men during those encounters. Fans are frustrated by the lack of dynamism in midfield and the absence of creativity in attack. Merson believes the powers that be at Old Trafford missed a trick by not pursuing Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, whose experience could have benefitted the club greatly.
As the situation stands, Merson feels the options for Carrick’s potential successor are somewhat limited.
“So who else is there if Carrick gets the boot? Eddie Howe is probably the guy they’ll look at. He’s the only one available, isn’t he? Antonio Conte could step in; he would stabilise things. But I’m not sure if he wants to play entertaining football and wow the world. I have no idea what the club owners are after,” Merson stated.
Howe is currently without a job after leaving Newcastle in July, while Conte has been available since June after parting ways with Napoli. The Italian recently hinted at his readiness to revive a sleeping giant, which many have associated with a potential role at Manchester United.
Tonight, Carrick will be looking to ease the mounting criticism when Manchester United face Atletico Madrid in a Champions League clash.
