If Eddie Howe takes over from Michael Carrick, he would want Man Utd to sign four players in January, as Jim Ratcliffe shows his support.
Eddie Howe is a top candidate to take over as Manchester United manager if Michael Carrick is let go. Here’s a look at the players Howe might want to bring in during the January transfer window.
Howe surprised many when he left Newcastle United at the end of July after more than four successful years. He led the team to their first big trophy in almost 56 years by winning the Carabao Cup last year and helped them qualify for the Champions League twice.
It’s been almost three months since Howe stepped down, saying he needed a break to rest and recharge. Now, he could soon be back, possibly managing one of the biggest clubs in English football.
Carrick is close to being sacked following Manchester United’s heavy 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League. Even though Carrick will still manage the game against Bournemouth on Sunday, his future is uncertain.
If the club decides to make a change, Howe is one of the leading choices alongside managers like Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte, and Fabian Hurzeler. According to talkSPORT, Howe is the preferred pick for Jason Wilcox because of his Premier League experience, and his opinion matters a lot to owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family.
Howe would seriously think about taking the job if it’s offered, reports the Guardian, but he wants to be sure the club’s structure and support behind the scenes are solid.
One big challenge for Howe—or any new manager—will be calming a chaotic dressing room after recent public outbursts from players like Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes. The club will also need strong financial support in January to improve a squad that didn’t get enough reinforcements last summer. Plus, the new manager would want control over who joins the team.
During his time at Newcastle, Howe used a tactical 4-3-3 style that required the team to work hard, press high, and stay well-organized. Players who didn’t show good work ethic or defensive effort didn’t fit his system. Many of Manchester United’s current players would need to fully commit to this tough style, as they’re currently one of the Premier League’s slowest teams in terms of covering ground.
So, what kinds of players might Howe want to sign in January? United are reportedly looking at a center-back, left-back, left winger, and striker. Howe would likely focus on strengthening the defense first.
He prefers center-backs who are comfortable with the ball, so a skillful, ball-playing defender like Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is a top target. United tried to sign Branthwaite two years ago, and he would be a great fit to replace Martinez.
At left-back, Howe likes players to be very attacking and quick, able to run up and down the field. The club missed out on Lewis Hall last summer, who just signed a long-term deal with Newcastle but was highly rated by Howe. Another option could be Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert.
Howe also wants a super-fast winger. At Newcastle, he helped Anthony Gordon develop into a hard-working wide forward, and he would want to do the same at United.
Finally, Manchester United desperately need a strong striker after Benjamin Sesko got injured. A new manager would speed up those signing plans. Howe likes forwards who are physical, great at pressing defenders, and good at linking up play. Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace is one striker linked with United, and his contract expires next summer, making him a real option.
In short, if Howe takes over at Manchester United, we can expect him to bring discipline, energy, and some key signings to fix the team and get them back on track.