Manchester United are expected to turn to a new manager after Michael Carrick's difficult start to his permanent reign, and the leading candidates have been assessed.
Carrick's Position Under Threat
Carrick's days look numbered at Old Trafford following Sunday's loss to Bournemouth. The former caretaker boss has only been in permanent charge since the summer, but a return of just one win from eight league games - and just two in all competitions - appears to have left his position untenable.
Carrick is the seventh permanent manager to take over since Sir Alex Ferguson walked away at the end of the 2012/13 season, and United look further than ever from winning their first league title since Ferguson's final campaign.
Assessing the Contenders
Attention is now turning towards what comes next, with the club weighing up whether to opt for someone who knows the Premier League or a decorated boss without that experience of English football. Over the last decade, various approaches have been tried, none of which have brought the sustained success the club grew used to in the first 21 seasons of the Premier League.
Antonio Conte would bring immediate motivation and success on the pitch, though a bounce into the Europa League spots might be the limit this term. The Italian often leaves misery behind, and it would be a trade-off for immediate glory. He could leave after exactly two years, following Champions League qualification with an identical record to Carrick this season, with his final act seeing him launch a tirade at an unnamed member of the United hierarchy.
Julian Nagelsmann would join with big ideas, which he quickly realises he does not have the backing to execute. He could turn Diogo Dalot into a competent Luke Shaw heir on the left, before leaving after improving the side but recognising a title push is impossible without financial backing.
Cup Success and Youth Focus
Unai Emery would thrive at United because his strength is in an area where he can change things quickly - winning cup competitions. He could pick up the FA Cup in his first season and the Europa League in his second, lasting longer than any post-Fergie manager before being panic-sacked by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Cesc Fabregas would make a flying start, delivering exciting football and recognising the desire to give youth a chance, before potentially jumping ship if Barcelona have a vacancy. Fabian Hurzeler would make a solid start, putting United in a position to build after being brave enough to cash in on Bruno Fernandes, and could oversee a four-year tenure by the club's recent standards.
