Manchester United are reportedly preparing to part ways with manager Michael Carrick following a winless run of eight matches, with the club's hierarchy said to be in agreement that his time is coming to an end. However, according to journalist Romain Molina, a leak in the boardroom suggests the top brass are not yet united on who should succeed him.
Carrick's position came under renewed scrutiny after Sunday's home defeat to Bournemouth, a result that has left the former midfielder's future at Old Trafford in serious doubt. United's next fixture is an away trip to Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime, with their following home match not for another nine days.
Carrick has insisted he has not been told about a managerial change and intends to take charge of the Stamford Bridge outing in six days' time. Despite that, reports suggest the INEOS hierarchy are considering sacking him, with a decision reportedly imminent.
Howe and Nagelsmann lead the race
Eddie Howe is currently the bookies' favourite to take over, according to reports. Howe left Newcastle on the eve of the new campaign, claiming he needed a break from top-level football. Just months after walking away from St James' Park, there is talk of him returning to the Premier League as Carrick's replacement.
Julian Nagelsmann is also without a job since leaving Germany following the World Cup, where he was replaced by Jurgen Klopp. Nagelsmann is said to have been considered by INEOS before they appointed Carrick in the summer.
Sky Sports reports that INEOS have decided on Howe and Nagelsmann as the frontrunners should Carrick be let go, with both managers said to have plenty of admirers within the United boardroom.
Conte and Hurzeler in the frame
Antonio Conte has hinted he would be interested in managing a 'fallen giant' in English football. The former Premier League winner has been out of work since the end of last season when he departed Serie A side Napoli.
Fabian Hurzeler, who has impressed with Brighton and currently has the Seagulls sitting third in the table, has also been mentioned. There have been suggestions that Hurzeler is not interested in the United job should a vacancy arise, but that could change if an official approach is made at the end of the season.
