Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday's match against Bournemouth, even as the club has begun identifying possible replacements. Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann are understood to have their eyes on the Old Trafford job. Sources say Carrick is carrying on as normal and has not been told of any imminent change following Wednesday's humiliating 4-1 defeat by Italian side Como. That loss was followed by captain Bruno Fernandes questioning Carrick's tactics after the Champions League defeat. The players have been given Thursday off, while United have yet to confirm arrangements for Friday's planned news conference.
Some senior figures at the club believe that changing managers so regularly in recent years has failed to halt United's decline, and that Carrick has been let down by under-performing players. That does not necessarily mean he is safe. There remains major uncertainty over his future. Others, however, recognise the progress he and his squad made last season and argue he deserves more time. Howe is available and would be considered, and sources indicate the former Newcastle boss is open to returning to management. Conte and Nagelsmann, also out of work, are interested too. Aston Villa's Unai Emery and Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler are highly regarded, but extracting them from their clubs would be difficult.
For the third year in a row, United have backed a manager publicly and financially in the summer, yet positive results have not followed. Ruben Amorim lasted until January, and Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October. Carrick was appointed permanently in May after 12 wins from 17 in interim charge and a return to the Champions League. However, results shape everything. United's two wins from 11 games, and none in seven, is their worst run since 2015-16, and Carrick bears significant responsibility.
Accusations of a lack of passion and intensity have dogged the club all season. Injuries and underperforming players have compounded the problem, and the team has kept just one clean sheet all season. Explosive post-match comments from defender Lisandro Martinez and Fernandes, alongside Ten Hag's interview with The Athletic about 'broken promises' and a 'toxic culture', suggest a club lacking cohesion.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing