Man Utd technical director backs Eddie Howe amid links to several managers

On 22 October 2026, reports said Manchester United technical director Jason Wilcox prefers appointing ex-Newcastle manager Eddie Howe if the club part ways with manager Michael Carrick, amid a wider round-up of managerial and transfer rumours.

Talksport reported Wilcox's preference for Howe. The Telegraph wrote that United would consider Julian Nagelsmann and said the former Bayern Munich and Germany boss is keen on the role. i reported Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is also among United's candidates. La Repubblica said Manchester United have opened talks with former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte about the possibility of returning to the Premier League.

The Telegraph added that United would likely have to pay a world record fee to replace Carrick with Fabian Hurzeler and prise the German away from Brighton. Talksport reported that Hurzeler would not be interested in the Manchester United job if it became available.

Arsenal are reported to be targeting a potential move for Atletico Madrid and Spain's World Cup-winning winger Alex Baena, 25, in the January window, according to FootballTransfers. Gazzetta dello Sport said Arsenal are also monitoring Monza striker Gustavo Varela, 21, and that Napoli and Benfica are interested in the Portuguese forward.

Gazzetta dello Sport also reported that Brazil defender Gleison Bremer is wanted by Bayer Leverkusen and that the 29-year-old could leave Juventus in January.

These items were published across outlets including Talksport, The Telegraph, i, La Repubblica, FootballTransfers and Gazzetta dello Sport on 22 October 2026, covering possible managerial replacements for Michael Carrick and a series of transfer targets ahead of the January window.