Eddie Howe eyed for Manchester United job as Erling Haaland returns for City

UPDATE - follow-up to Manchester United latest, European reaction and more: football news – live: Eddie Howe is the top choice for Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox to replace Michael Carrick if the club decides to change its manager. Howe left Newcastle in late July to take a break from the sport but would seriously think about taking the United post if it is offered. Meanwhile, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is fit to play against Aston Villa at Villa Park tomorrow after missing the Champions League match against AEK Athens due to a foot injury picked up against Ipswich. City manager Enzo Maresca stated that Nico O'Reilly, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes are still being assessed for knocks from the same fixture. In international football, the Asian Football Confederation has backed Gianni Infantino for re-election as Fifa president. AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa announced the endorsement during an extraordinary congress in Tokyo on Friday. In European club action last night, Bournemouth defeated Milan 3-0 in the Europa League. Sunderland drew with Lech Poznan, Crystal Palace tied 2-2 with Besiktas, and Celtic lost 2-1 to Celta Vigo.

Context

Football management changes and European tournament matches often shape the entire domestic season for top English clubs. Major clubs continuously monitor available managerial talent and player fitness levels as fixtures crowd the calendar.