18+ only. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. If it stops being fun, stop. BeGambleAware.org · Self-exclude from every UK-licensed site at GAMSTOP.
On this page
- Has Michael Carrick been sacked?
- Why is Michael Carrick under pressure at Man Utd?
- What are the latest next Man Utd manager odds?
- Who could replace Michael Carrick at Man Utd?
- How do next Man Utd manager betting markets work?
- How do you check a bookmaker’s next manager rules?
- Should you bet on the next Man Utd manager?
- Current sports welcome offers
- Staying in control
- Sources checked
- FAQs
Last checked 22 October 2026 by Tom Perkins, Editor. Odds are quoted only with the bookmaker named and the time they were published. News is from the outlets listed under Sources; settlement rules are from the Sky Bet help centre, checked 22 October 2026.
Eddie Howe was favourite to be the next permanent Manchester United manager at 7/4 with Sky Bet (10:10 BST, 22 October 2026, as published by Sporting Life), ahead of Julian Nagelsmann at 4/1 and Antonio Conte and Fabian Hurzeler at 6/1. Michael Carrick has not been sacked, but Sky Bet made him the 4/6 favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave after the 4-1 defeat at Como. This page covers why Carrick is under pressure, who reputable outlets say United could turn to, and how “next manager” bets are settled. Checked on 22 October 2026.
Has Michael Carrick been sacked?
No. Michael Carrick was still Manchester United head coach when we checked on 22 October 2026, and the club had not announced any decision on his future. The Telegraph reported that United still support him, and BBC Sport said it remained to be seen whether that changes before Sunday’s home game with Bournemouth. Carrick refused to answer questions about his own future after the Como defeat.
“I’ve not given my own position any thought – this is for the supporters,” Carrick told reporters in Como (BBC Sport). We will update this page if United make a change.
Why is Michael Carrick under pressure at Man Utd?
Michael Carrick is under pressure because Manchester United’s season has fallen apart 11 games in. After he won 12 of 17 games as interim boss and took them back into the Champions League, United have won twice this season, gone seven without a win and sit 13th in the Premier League. The key facts:
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Latest result | Como 4-1 Man Utd, Champions League, Wednesday 21 October 2026 | The Guardian |
| Season record | 2 wins in 11 games in all competitions (Ipswich and Sabah) | BBC Sport |
| Winless run | 7 games, the worst since 8 under Louis van Gaal in November and December 2015 | BBC Sport |
| League position | 13th in the Premier League, three points clear of bottom club Sunderland | BBC Sport |
| Carabao Cup | Out, after losing 3-2 at home to Brighton from 2-0 up | Oddschecker |
| Contract | Two-year deal, after winning 12 of 17 games as interim head coach last season | BBC Sport |
| Next game | Man Utd v Bournemouth, Old Trafford, Sunday 25 October 2026, 14:00 GMT | Our preview |
The Como game was over early. Nico Paz scored after two minutes and added a second, Tasos Douvikas and Jacobo Ramón also scored, and Joshua Zirkzee’s goal came in stoppage time (The Guardian). Carrick went over to apologise to the travelling fans: “For us to play in that way is not acceptable,” he said (BBC Sport).
What did Bruno Fernandes say about Carrick’s tactics?
United captain Bruno Fernandes told TNT Sports after the game: “It’s a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, but sometimes when you give too much the ball to these teams they get confidence.” Asked whether Carrick got the tactics wrong, he said: “That’s on the manager and staff to see it, not me” (BBC Sport). Carrick replied that whatever the system, “if you don’t run, and you don’t run forward, and you don’t run back, you aren’t going to win.”
Is there anything in Carrick’s favour?
Some of the blame lies elsewhere, according to the reporting. BBC Sport said Carrick was let down in the summer transfer window, when United signed three midfielders but no cover for Luke Shaw at left-back or for Benjamin Šeško in attack. The Guardian noted that he was without nine players through injury, suspension or illness in Como. He is also only months into a two-year contract.
What are the latest next Man Utd manager odds?
Eddie Howe was the favourite to be the next permanent Manchester United manager in Sky Bet’s market on the morning of 22 October 2026, at 7/4. Julian Nagelsmann was second favourite at 4/1. These are the prices Sporting Life published:
| Candidate | Sky Bet price | Implied chance |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Howe | 7/4 | 36.4% |
| Julian Nagelsmann | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Antonio Conte | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| Fabian Hurzeler | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| Cesc Fabregas | 11/1 | 8.3% |
| Thomas Tuchel | 14/1 | 6.7% |
| Kieran McKenna | 14/1 | 6.7% |
| Unai Emery | 14/1 | 6.7% |
Sky Bet’s next permanent Manchester United manager market, as published by Sporting Life, correct at 10:10 BST on 22 October 2026. Implied chance is our own conversion and ignores the margin. Sky Bet is run by SBG Sports Limited (Gambling Commission account 67370, register checked 20 October 2026).
The market was moving that morning. In Oddschecker’s comparison at 08:52 BST, Sky Bet was among the firms offering Howe at 2/1 and Nagelsmann, Conte and Hurzeler at 5/1, so by 10:10 Howe and Nagelsmann had shortened and Conte and Hurzeler had drifted. In the sack race itself, Oddschecker showed Carrick at 7/4 with Ladbrokes and Coral at 08:49 BST, against 4/6 with most firms. All prices change; check the live market before you bet. The full Premier League list is on our sack race odds page.
Who could replace Michael Carrick at Man Utd?
Julian Nagelsmann is the name most strongly linked in reputable reporting. The Telegraph reported on 22 October 2026 that United would consider him if they sacked Carrick, and that he would listen to an approach. United have not confirmed any approach. These are the names reported by major outlets on 22 October:
- Julian Nagelsmann: a free agent since leaving the Germany job after the World Cup. The Telegraph described him as a leading candidate if United make a change. The Mirror, reporting the Telegraph story, noted his link with United’s Christopher Vivell from their time together at RB Leipzig.
- Fabian Hurzeler: the Brighton head coach. The Mirror reported he is on United’s shortlist and has been tracked for some time. Oddschecker noted he signed a new contract in the summer, so he would be expensive to prise away.
- Eddie Howe: the betting favourite, out of work since leaving Newcastle at the end of last season (Sporting Life). The Mirror reported he isn’t expected to be considered, so the market and the reporting don’t agree on him.
- Antonio Conte: available since leaving Napoli. Metro, citing the Telegraph, reported United fear he “would not fit into the structure the club is determined to adopt”.
Sky Bet also prices Cesc Fabregas, the Como head coach whose side beat United, plus Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna and Unai Emery. Being in a betting list doesn’t mean a club is interested, and we haven’t added names that no reputable outlet links with the job.
How do next Man Utd manager betting markets work?
A “next permanent Man Utd manager” bet wins only if your selection is appointed as the club’s next permanent manager. The bet isn’t settled when Carrick leaves, but when his permanent successor is named. Sky Bet’s football specials rules, checked on 22 October 2026, set out how its market is settled:
- Caretakers and interims: don’t count unless they complete at least 10 competitive games, in which case they are treated as the permanent manager. Carrick himself went from interim to permanent last season.
- Unlisted managers: if a manager who wasn’t quoted is appointed, all bets stand, so every listed selection loses. There is no refund.
- Directors of football: an appointment of a director of football doesn’t count.
- New job titles: if a club changes its structure and doesn’t call the appointee first-team manager, Sky Bet settles on the person responsible for selecting the first team, using its reasonable discretion if it’s unclear.
Two different bets are often confused. “Next Premier League manager to leave” pays if Carrick goes first; “next permanent Man Utd manager” pays on who replaces him. Other bookmakers write their own rules on interims, void bets and job titles, so check the rules where you bet.
How do you check a bookmaker’s next manager rules?
- Check the market name: “permanent” manager markets usually ignore caretakers, while “next manager” wording may not.
- Open the bookmaker’s football specials or novelty rules in its help centre and find the section for that market.
- Look for what happens to an interim appointment, an unlisted manager and a change of job title.
- Check whether a welcome free bet can be used on specials markets before you rely on one.
Should you bet on the next Man Utd manager?
We don’t tip this market. Prices react to reports within minutes, news can break at any time, and your stake can be tied up until a permanent appointment is made, which could be months away if United use an interim. If you do bet, treat it as entertainment with a fixed budget. Our implied probability guide shows what each price means as a percentage, and betting odds explained covers fractional and decimal prices.
For Sunday’s game, read our Man Utd v Bournemouth prediction and the rest of this weekend’s Premier League tips.
Current sports welcome offers
New customer offers from licensed UK bookmakers are below, with the significant terms next to each one. If you want to use a free bet on a specials market, check that the offer allows it first. See every current offer on our free bets page, or compare bookmakers in our UK betting sites reviews.
New customers. Min £5 deposit. First bet only: min £5 single/each-way at odds 1/1+ within 30 days of registration. 3 x £10 Free Bets (singles/each-way, excl. virtuals), expire after 30 days. Free Bet stakes not returned. Neteller and Skrill deposits excluded. No wagering on Free Bet winnings stated.
Promo code:
AB5G30Three separate £10 Free Bets, usable on singles and each-way.Full T&Cs
New Sky Betting and Gaming customers 18+ only (previous Sky Bet, Vegas, Casino, Bingo or Poker account holders excluded). Register, add card details and make a minimum £5 deposit. Your first bet must be a single or each-way bet of at least £5 on any Sky Bet market at odds of 1/1 or greater; accumulated smaller stakes do not count and only your first bet counts. Staking requirement must be met within 30 days of registration. Rewards: three £10 Free Bet tokens, usable on any single or each-way market excluding virtuals, not with any other offer. Free Bets expire 30 days after crediting, are non-withdrawable and stakes are not included in returns. One claim per customer. Customers depositing with Neteller or Skrill do not qualify. Offer may differ if you arrive via another link. Sky Bet General Promotion Terms apply.
New customers. Opt in at sign-up. Deposit £10+ and place a £10+ bet at odds 1/1+ within 7 days (excl. virtuals, esports, non-UK/IE racing). 4 x £10 Free Bets: 2 for football accas (4+ legs), 2 for sports multiples (2+ legs), valid 7 days. Free Bet stake not returned.
Rewards credited on settlement of one £10 qualifying bet, win or lose.
Full T&Cs
New BetMGM customers 18+. Select the Sports Welcome Offer at sign-up. Deposit at least £10 and place at least £10 on a qualifying bet within 7 days of registration: min odds Evens 1/1 (2.0); each-way bets need £10 each way (£20 total); Bet Builder total odds must be 1/1+. Excludes virtual sports, esports and non-UK/IE horse racing. Free Bets, Profit Boosts, Odds Boosts, void, cashed-out, partially cashed-out and system bets do not qualify. Not with other offers. On settlement you get 4 x £10 Free Bets: 2 x £10 on football accas (4+ selections) and 2 x £10 on sports multiples (2+ selections), selected via the betslip checkbox. Free Bets expire after 7 days; stake not included in winnings. Once per household/computer/IP. Operated by LeoVegas Gaming plc (UKGC 39198). General and promotional T&Cs apply.
New customers. Opt in at sign-up. Deposit £10+ and place a £10+ bet at odds 1/1+ within 7 days (excl. virtuals, esports, non-UK/IE racing). 4 x £10 Free Bets: 2 for football accas (4+ legs), 2 for sports multiples (2+ legs), valid 7 days. Free Bet stake not returned.
Same LeoVegas offer structure as BetMGM, with UK/IE racing allowed for the qualifier.
Full T&Cs
New BetUK.com customers 18+. Opt in by selecting the Sports Welcome Offer at sign-up. Deposit at least £10 and place at least £10 on a qualifying bet within 7 days of registration: min odds Evens 1/1 (2.0); each-way needs £10 each way; Bet Builder total odds 1/1+. Excludes virtual sports, esports and non-UK/IE horse racing. Free Bets, Profit/Odds Boosts, void, cashed-out, partially cashed-out and system bets do not qualify. Once only; not with other offers. On settlement: 2 x £10 Free Bets on football accas (4+ selections) and 2 x £10 on sports multiples (2+ selections). Unused Free Bets expire after 7 days; stake not included in winnings. Operated by LeoVegas Gaming plc (UKGC 39198). General Promotional and General T&Cs apply.
Staying in control
Football news can make a bet feel urgent. It isn’t. Set a budget, don’t chase a price after it has moved, and use the deposit limits and time-outs every UK-licensed bookmaker offers. Free, confidential support is available from BeGambleAware and the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Read our responsible gambling guide for more.
Sources checked
- Sporting Life: Next Manchester United manager odds, Eddie Howe favourite to replace under-pressure Michael Carrick (Sky Bet prices correct at 10:10 BST, 22 October 2026)
- Sporting Life: Premier League sack race betting, Michael Carrick now odds-on favourite (Sky Bet prices correct at 09:55 BST, 22 October 2026)
- Oddschecker: Next Man Utd manager odds (comparisons at 08:49 and 08:52 BST, 22 October 2026)
- Sky Bet help centre: Football Specials Rules (Next Permanent Manager and Next Manager to Leave, checked 22 October 2026)
- BBC Sport: Fernandes rounds on Carrick after Man Utd humiliation (21 October 2026)
- BBC Sport: What now for Michael Carrick after Como defeat? (22 October 2026)
- The Guardian: Como demolish dismal Manchester United to pile more pressure on Carrick (21 October 2026)
- The Telegraph: Manchester United will consider Julian Nagelsmann if Michael Carrick sacked (22 October 2026)
- The Mirror: Nagelsmann and the Man Utd job (22 October 2026)
- Metro: Manchester United stance on hiring Antonio Conte (22 October 2026)
FAQs
Who is favourite to be the next Man Utd manager?
Eddie Howe. Sky Bet had him at 7/4 to be the next permanent Manchester United manager at 10:10 BST on 22 October 2026, as published by Sporting Life, with Julian Nagelsmann 4/1.
Has Michael Carrick been sacked by Man Utd?
No. Carrick was still head coach when we checked on 22 October 2026. The Telegraph reported United still support him, though the 4-1 defeat at Como has increased the pressure.
Who could replace Michael Carrick?
The Telegraph reported on 22 October 2026 that United would consider Julian Nagelsmann if they sacked Carrick. The Mirror also named Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler as being on the shortlist. No approach has been confirmed.
Does an interim Man Utd manager count for next manager bets?
Not in Sky Bet's next permanent manager market, unless the caretaker completes at least 10 competitive games. Then they are treated as the permanent manager. Other bookmakers set their own rules.
What happens to my bet if an unlisted manager is appointed?
At Sky Bet, all bets stand, so every listed selection loses. Check your own bookmaker's rules before you bet.
When is Man Utd's next game?
Manchester United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday 25 October 2026, kick-off 14:00 GMT.