3 options for United's bench

Manchester United is struggling and is already looking towards the future

The draw against Aston Villa keeps doubts about Michael Carrick's future at Manchester United. The result does not clear the uncertainty surrounding a project that needs to regain consistency and convince a board that has already started to consider possible alternatives. If the Old Trafford officials decide to dismiss the English manager, three names are strongly emerging in the betting: Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe, and Fabian Hürzeler.

The continuity of Carrick is not yet ruled out. In fact, the club would prefer to see improvements in results and avoid a new change in the dugout. However, the possibility of a dismissal necessitates exploring the market and defining which profile should lead the sporting reconstruction.

Nagelsmann and Howe, the two options that divide United

Julian Nagelsmann is one of the most valued coaches by the scouting department of Manchester United. The German coach, with a past at Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, has the backing of Christopher Vivell, the club's head of recruitment. His footballing proposal, based on high pressing, intensity, and a flexible tactical structure, aligns with the idea of modernizing the team.

🏁 The points are shared at Old Trafford after a dramatic finale. https://t.co/P1HyyEVwTK
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 8, 2026

However, not everyone within the club shares that preference. Jason Wilcox, the director of football, would lean toward Eddie Howe, mainly due to his knowledge of the Premier League. The former Newcastle coach has been without a team since leaving the English club, and his experience in the league makes him an attractive alternative to face a complicated situation.

Howe managed to qualify Newcastle for the Champions League and won the 2025 EFL Cup. Moreover, he had previously been recommended for the Old Trafford dugout. According to reports published in England, he would be willing to listen to an offer from United if a vacancy arises.

The divide between Vivell and Wilcox reflects that there is no unanimous stance on Carrick's successor. While one bets on the tactical talent of the German, the other prioritizes Howe's experience in English football.

Hürzeler completes the trio of potential replacements

The third name is Fabian Hürzeler, current coach of Brighton. The German has gained recognition for his work in the Premier League and for developing a team with an offensive identity and intense pressing. His youth and ability to enhance players align with a forward-looking bet for Manchester United.

His main difficulty is that he has a contract and an ongoing project at Brighton. Moreover, reports published by Sky Sports suggest that it would not be easy to convince him to leave his current team in the middle of the season.

TACTICAL ANALYSIS · FOOTBALL

THREE COACHES, THREE STYLES

Nagelsmann · Howe · Hürzeler

NAGELSMANN

FLEXIBILITY

WITH BALL

Rotations, mobility, and numerical advantages inside. Seeks the free man.

WITHOUT BALL

Coordinated pressing and immediate reaction after loss.

KEY Create advantages through movements and positional changes.

HOWE

INTENSITY

WITH BALL

Vertical attacks, direct play, and quick arrivals in the area.

WITHOUT BALL

Compact block, intense pressing, and recovery in the middle zone.

KEY Steal, run, and attack before the opponent can reorganize.

HÜRZELER

VERTICALITY

WITH BALL

Rapid progression, width, and many players attacking the area.

WITHOUT BALL

Aggressive pressing, high line, and seeking offside.

KEY Press high and progress decisively towards goal.

Where is the difference?

Nagelsmann: stands out for the flexibility of his structures and positional rotations.

Howe: prioritizes collective intensity, order, and transitions.

Hürzeler: combines very aggressive pressing with a more vertical and dynamic attack.

Therefore, Nagelsmann and Howe emerge as the most prominent alternatives, while Hürzeler appears as a third option if the board expands the search. The draw against Aston Villa does not alone signify the end for Carrick, but it keeps the debate about his continuity open and who should take the reins of Manchester United if a change occurs.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, 3 opciones para el banquillo del United