Manchester United is at a crossroads as speculation mounts over the future of manager Michael Carrick. If the club decides to part ways with Carrick, several high-profile candidates have emerged as potential successors.

Eddie Howe, the former boss of Newcastle United, is reportedly the preferred choice of Manchester United's technical director Jason Wilcox. Additionally, Julian Nagelsmann, who previously managed Bayern Munich and the German national team, is keen on the role should it become available.

Among the other candidates are:

• Unai Emery, the current manager of Aston Villa, who is considered a dream option for the club.
• Antonio Conte, the ex-manager of Chelsea and Tottenham, with discussions already initiated regarding his potential return to the Premier League.
• Fabian Hurzeler, currently at Brighton, would command a world record fee if Manchester United were to pursue him, but he has indicated that he would not be interested in the job.

In addition to the managerial situation, Arsenal is also making headlines with their transfer targets. The club is keen on acquiring Alex Baena, a winger from Atletico Madrid, as well as monitoring Gustavo Varela, a striker from Monza, who is also attracting interest from Napoli and Benfica.