Manchester United are reportedly considering Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as potential replacements for Michael Carrick, whose position has come under increasing pressure following a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
United made a promising start and were arguably the better side in the first half. Matheus Cunha thought he had given the visitors the lead, only for his effort to be ruled out after he was adjudged to have strayed marginally offside. Chelsea took control after the break, however, with Lisandro Martinez failing to deal with Morgan Rogers, who got past the Argentine before producing a clever finish over Senne Lammens.
Defeat piles pressure on Carrick
Chelsea also had two goals disallowed for offside but still secured all three points. United's hopes of mounting a comeback suffered a further blow when Martinez conceded a penalty following a reckless challenge on Wesley Fofana. The defender caught Fofana in the face while attempting to challenge for the ball without looking at it, leaving the referee with little choice but to award a penalty and show him a second yellow card.
The defeat has piled further pressure on Carrick, with questions continuing to grow over his future at Old Trafford.
Board divided over preferred candidate
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are reportedly among the frontrunners to replace him, although United's hierarchy is understood to be divided over their preferred candidate. Fabian Hurzeler also has admirers within the club's boardroom.
United's head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, is believed to favour Nagelsmann, having previously worked with his fellow German at RB Leipzig. However, director of football Jason Wilcox is reportedly keen on appointing someone with proven Premier League experience, putting Howe firmly in the frame. Both Howe and Nagelsmann are currently available after leaving Newcastle United and the Germany national team respectively.
Hurzeler also in contention
The Sun have previously reported that Hurzeler is viewed as a leading candidate to replace Carrick should United decide to make a managerial change. Hurzeler's name is also understood to have been discussed during an internal meeting earlier this week, with a senior United figure reportedly expressing support for the Brighton head coach.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the young German is 'really appreciated' by the club official, with his name continuing to feature in private discussions over Carrick's future. However, Hurzeler signed a new three-year deal with Brighton in the summer, keeping him at the Amex Stadium until June 2029. United would therefore likely have to pay a significant compensation fee to prise him away from the south coast.
The hierarchy could face a difficult decision over Carrick's successor, with senior figures seemingly unable to agree on their preferred candidate. However, Wilcox's position within the club gives him greater influence than Vivell, meaning Nagelsmann's chances of landing the job could depend on whether the latter can persuade Sir Jim Ratcliffe or chief executive Omar Berrada to support his appointment.
