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Eddie Howe is Jason Wilcox's 'preferred candidate' should Michael Carrick be sacked as Manchester United manager - Paper Round
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Updated 02/11/2026 at 08:46 GMT
Michael Carrick will remain in charge of Manchester United for the UEFA Champions League tie against AS Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday, while FC Barcelona star Fermin Lopez makes a decision on his future amid links to The Red Devils.
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Howe is 'preferred candidate'
United's woeful campaign continued with a 2-0 loss at Chelsea on Saturday, as they slipped to 17th in the Premier League table.
However, the hierarchy at United are not yet ready to dismiss the 45-year-old Carrick despite making their worst start to a season since 1988.
The Guardian writes: "Carrick’s position is expected to be reviewed again during the international break after the next round of Premier League matches, in which United host Aston Villa next Sunday.
"The 45-year-old head coach came close to losing his job last Monday when Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada met at the training ground to discuss his future. The director of football and the chief executive decided Carrick should be given a chance to turn form and results around.
"There remains a view within the hierarchy that Carrick can still transform fortunes, with United’s travelling support still backing him at the end of the defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
"Eddie Howe is Wilcox’s preferred candidate should Carrick be sacked, with contact between the parties understood to have been made. The former Newcastle manager is open to taking up the position, subject to negotiations. He would cost about £3 million in compensation to Newcastle.
"Julian Nagelsmann, the former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach, is highly regarded by Christopher Vivell, United’s director of recruitment, who is believed to have sounded out his fellow German."
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Lopez makes Man Utd decision
The Sun carries quotes from Barcelona star Lopez amid reports linking him to Manchester United.
The Spanish midfielder was asked about interest from United following Barca's impressive 6-1 win over Alaves on Saturday.
The Red Devils are said to be pursuing a midfielder to replace captain Bruno Fernandes who is entering the final year of his contract.
"Fermin Lopez has delivered a blunt response to Manchester United after being linked with a move to Old Trafford, insisting he wants to spend the rest of his career at Barcelona," reads the article.
He said: 'Manchester United links? I don’t pay attention to that kind of news. I want to stay here at Barcelona as long as possible.
”'I hope to end my football career at this club and retire here.'”
The report continues: "United are understood to be keen on adding more goals and creativity to their midfield options, with Lopez emerging as a reported target ahead of next summer.
"Lopez, 23, has also attracted interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain."
Barca could sell Balde to buy Martinez
Barcelona could be tempted to sell Manchester United target Alejandro Balde in order to clear space for Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine defender, who made headlines after criticising the club's hierarchy recently, was sent off in United's defeat at Chelsea.
"Martinez’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, although United do possess an option to extend it by a further 12 months," states The Sun.
"His contract status has attracted interest from Barcelona.
"Due to strict La Liga financial rules, Barca would have to sell someone in order to bring in Martinez, or any other new recruit, in January.
"According to Spanish outlet Marca, Balde is the most likely candidate.
"The full-back was linked with Man Utd over the summer but wanted to stay and fight for his place at Barcelona."
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Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd want Karl
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have made contact with FC Bayern Munich star Lennart Karl, claims a report in Metro.
The 18-year-old has caught the eye of the Premier League trio after breaking into Bayern's first-team squad in early 2025.
The teenager could cost in the region of £50 million.
The outlet states: "In a recent interview, Bayern’s honorary president Uli Hoeness questioned Karl’s social media activity and suggested the teenager still had a long way to go before he could be considered a ‘superstar’- raising some doubts over the youngster’s future at the Allianz Arena.
"According to Bild, Hoeness’ remarks have caused a level of ‘unrest’ within Karl’s camp, and Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have been alerted to a potential deal.
"It’s claimed the three Premier League giants have all made contact with Karl over the phone to discuss the Germany international’s current situation.
"The report adds that while it is not Bayern’s intention to force out Karl, an offer in the region of €60m (£50m) from a potential suitor could be enough to prise the diminutive midfielder away from Munich.
"Karl’s contract with the reigning Bundesliga champions runs through to June 2029."
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