Manchester United are pondering another managerial switch, with Michael Carrick facing pressure following a 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth yesterday.
The club has reportedly targeted Eddie Howe as their primary choice to succeed Carrick, according to The i Paper.
Director of football Jason Wilcox prefers the former Newcastle boss, feeling that Premier League background is vital to fix issues at Old Trafford.
Should Howe take the position, he might target familiar faces from his time at Newcastle.
Defenders Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, who was heavily linked with United previously in the summer, could bolster squad areas where the team lacks depth, alongside striker Nick Woltemade.
Woltemade currently plays on loan at Juventus, though recent reports indicate the Serie A club might seek alternative attacking options.
The German forward has netted three goals across nine matches for the club, and while his loan lacks a release clause, changing plans in Turin could pave the way for a reunion with his former Newcastle manager.
Howe's Potential Man Utd Line-up
A hallmark of Howe's Newcastle squad was a robust, industrious midfield trio featuring Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
Each member fulfilled a distinct duty, combining to deliver balance, intensity and control.
At United, Kobbie Mainoo could assume the tempo-setting duties previously handled by Guimaraes, while Fernandes plays as a technically gifted number eight fulfilling a multi-faceted role akin to Tonali.
Carlos Baleba would introduce the physicality, pressing and ball-winning traits that Joelinton offered at Newcastle.
Captain Bruno Fernandes might also shift into a new role, playing as an advanced midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation rather than pushing up as a traditional number 10 under Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, similar to his time under Erik ten Hag.
Howe's Newcastle teams were noted for physical strength, and this hypothetical squad would match that trait.
Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire offer height and power at centre-back, with Woltemade anchoring the attack alongside flanks supported by Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Livramento and Hall would bring speed and athleticism to the full-back positions, upgrading areas where United sought greater consistency.
Alternative XI: More Traditional Wingers
A second tactical setup retains the same midfield trio while modifying the defence and forward line.
Lisandro Martinez could join Maguire in central defence, considering De Ligt's injury history following a nearly year-long battle with a back issue.
Despite lacking height compared to other United centre-backs, Martinez brings World Cup-winning experience and ball-playing ability suited to Howe's approach.
Further up the pitch, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford would provide conventional wide options.
Mbeumo typically operates as an inside-forward, while Cunha drifts centrally to carry the ball.
Amad and Rashford could instead stretch opponents from the wings, mirroring the roles played by Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon under Howe at Newcastle.
Such a setup could supply Woltemade more consistently from the flanks, with Fernandes and Mainoo connecting midfield and attack.
Alternative XI: Midfield Shake-up and False Nine
At Newcastle, Howe adapted his midfield based on available personnel, using squad depth like Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley.
United could deploy similar variety, using summer signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos alongside Mason Mount as midfield options.
In this setup, Fernandes shifts into a false-nine role, dropping deeper to assist a high press much like Gordon did for Howe.
Cunha would operate deeper, receiving the ball, turning and driving forward as he did at Wolves.
Meanwhile, Amad and Rashford would target space on either side.
This configuration creates central movement rather than relying strictly on a traditional central striker, letting Cunha influence play from deep while full-backs supply width.
It offers a fluid alternative to the first two options, giving Howe tactical flexibility while keeping the familiar 4-3-3 shape of his Newcastle tenure.
