Eddie Howe emerges as top choice for Manchester United job as weekend fixtures approach

UPDATE - follow-up to Wilcox wants Howe if Manchester United sack Carrick, European reaction and more: football news – live: Eddie Howe stands as the preferred candidate for Jason Wilcox to succeed Michael Carrick should Manchester United make a managerial change, with the director of football valuing his extensive Premier League experience.

Weekend Fixtures and Club Updates

Ahead of Fulham's trip to Coventry on Saturday, manager Álvaro Arbeloa expressed confidence following last weekend's win over Hull, stating his side believes in their work. Meanwhile, Manchester United are gathering fan input via a survey on designs for a proposed 100,000-seat stadium, with CEO of New Stadium Development Colette Roche emphasizing that the project must be shaped alongside supporters before the 6 November deadline. Bournemouth boss Marco Rose expects an angry and intense Manchester United side when his team visits Old Trafford on Sunday.

El Clásico and Global Football

In Spain, La Liga leaders Barcelona host Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on Sunday in a fixture that could extend Barça's lead at the top to nine points or act as a season catalyst for Real Madrid. Elsewhere, the Asian Football Confederation has endorsed Gianni Infantino's FIFA presidential re-election bid, with AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa delivering the endorsement at an extraordinary congress in Tokyo.

Context

High-profile managerial speculation and major stadium redevelopment projects often run concurrently at elite football clubs, reflecting both short-term competitive pressures and long-term infrastructure planning. Matches between historic rivals like Barcelona and Real Madrid continue to draw massive global television audiences regardless of shifts in individual player rivalries.