Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is under mounting pressure at Old Trafford after a run of seven straight games without a victory in all competitions. The former midfielder, handed the reins on a full-time basis after a second successful interim spell, replaced Ruben Amorim in January this year. Carrick led United to third in the Premier League and back to the Champions League after three years away from Europe's top competition, but this season his side have underperformed, sitting 13th in the top flight and 20th in the Champions League table.
Must-win clash with Bournemouth
United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, a match billed as a must-win encounter for Carrick after a humbling 4-1 defeat by Como in midweek. That result forced the United boss to apologise to the travelling supporters, with others online turning on him and calling for his exit.
The rumour mill has started spinning with the club reportedly eyeing replacements should they look to sack him. Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been heavily linked with the hotseat, while ex-Chelsea and Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte is also out of work and has been rumoured to be on the club's shortlist. Julian Nagelsmann is another name in the frame, and Brighton and Hove Albion's Fabian Hurzeler is believed to be admired by the United hierarchy.
Candidates voice concerns
The Daily Telegraph reports that a number of those potential candidates have voiced their concerns over the culture that has emanated at the club over the past few years. It details that certain options feel that United's players talk too much, and that the dressing room is out of control.
United's players do have a history of being outspoken in recent weeks, with Lisandro Martinez publicly criticising the club's hierarchy after the 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid, while Bruno Fernandes called out Carrick and the backroom staff's tactics in the Como loss.
Conditions for a takeover
Some candidates would be wanting certain conditions met if they were to take over from Carrick. Nagelsmann is thought to want reassurances about the structure above him, having worked with the club's director of recruitment Christopher Vivell before, while Conte and Howe would want full authority over the running of the club.
