Carrick's Man Utd Future Hangs in Balance After Heavy Defeat

Manchester United, the English Premier League football club, are considering whether to part with head coach Michael Carrick after losing 3-0 at home to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday. Sky Sports News understands the club's leadership had been looking at alternatives even before the match.

The defeat was United's eighth game without a win. The team sits just above the relegation zone, and the club is enduring its worst-ever start to a Premier League season. Sources at the club expect Carrick to be relieved of his duties.

Who decides

The decision rests with director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, who will pass a recommendation to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Captain Bruno Fernandes was left on the bench for the match after criticising Carrick's tactics in midweek.

During Sky Sports commentary, former United defender Gary Neville said the job would become ridiculously difficult for Carrick. On his podcast he predicted the club would probably sack him. Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher said Carrick should be relieved of his duties immediately.

Possible successors

Sky Sports News reporters name Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as the front runners. Both are available and no compensation would be required. Howe resigned as Newcastle manager in July to take a break, but is reported to be interested in talking to United. Wilcox is thought to prefer a coach with Premier League experience.

Nagelsmann is well known to United's head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, from their time together at RB Leipzig. He has been without a job since leaving his post as Germany head coach after the World Cup, where the side went out to Paraguay in the round of 32.

Unai Emery and Antonio Conte have also been considered, but are not thought to be favourites. Emery is said to remain committed to Aston Villa.