Man Utd next manager: ‘Dream candidate’ says no to replacing Carrick as Howe talks open – Romano
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Manchester United are in talks over potentially appointing Eddie Howe as their manager and has claimed that Aston Villa boss Unai Emery does not fancy replacing Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.
The Athletic broke the news late on Monday night that Man Utd intend to sack Carrick as manager.
Man Utd are in the Premier League relegation zone at the moment.
Transfer guru Romano has now brought an update on Man Utd’s managerial candidates.
The transfer guru has reported that Man Utd have opened talks with people close to Eddie Howe.
Howe is without a managerial role at the moment after parting ways with Newcastle United in the summer of 2026.
Romano has also said that Unai Emery is the “dream candidate” for Man Utd.
However, the former Arsenal manager is staying at Aston Villa, having transformed them as a club.
Man Utd in talks over Eddie Howe
Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Some candidates. The name of Mauricio Pochettino emerged today as one of the potential candidates.
“Why emerging? Because Mauricio Pochettino was already considered by INEOS, by Sir Jim Ratcliffe few years ago.
“Pochettino himself confirmed that was a possibility. Then nothing happened about that.
READ MORE: Man Utd: Wilcox inertia over Carrick leading to relegation sleepwalk
“So, Pochettino decided to sign with the US men national team.
“But in his contract recently confirmed by Pochettino because Pochettino signed a new deal with the US men national team, in this contract, there is a release clause.
“So, there is an exit way for Mauricio Pochettino in case Man Utd decide to go for him and in case Pochettino decide to accept this proposal.
“So, Pochettino could be an option because there is also a clause into his contract.”
Romano continued: “Then there are some managers who are free.
“Julian Nagelsmann is completely free, and Julian Nagelsmann is also attracted by a club job after working with the German national team for a few years.
“And then Eddie Howe. Eddie Howe is also a name we have to keep into consideration because Man Utd spoke with people close to Eddie Howe.
“In this case, Newcastle would get a little compensation, just a few million pounds, but there is no, no issue or problem if Man Utd decide to go forward with Eddie Howe. So, it’s on the club to decide.
Unai Emery to Man Utd ruled out
“Then, as I told you over the last few weeks, Man Utd dream candidate was, I say was, because it’s already out of the table as an option as of now – Unai Emery.
“Unai Emery is super-appreciated by Manchester United.
“Man Utd, some really important people at Man Utd believe Unai Emery would be an ideal candidate for the job, but again, as I told you, Aston Villa absolutely don’t want Unai Emery to go.
“Aston Villa put a very high wall to block all the conversations about Unai Emery, and also Aston Villa already offered Unai Emery a new contract in order to try find a solution and sign a new deal as soon as possible to avoid possibilities, contacts, talks, temptations.
“But let me say – Aston Villa are on the same page.
“Roberto Olabe, Damian Vidagany, Unai Emery, the chairman – everyone at the club – on the same page. So, that’s the situation.”
