Michael Carrick is on the brink of being sacked as Manchester United manager after the team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann emerging as potential replacements.
The defeat extended United's winless run to nine games across all competitions. Lisandro Martinez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the second half, leaving United facing an uphill battle from that point onward.
Defeat to Chelsea intensifies pressure
With Chelsea leading 1-0, Martinez picked up two yellow cards in one minute and 22 seconds after jumping into Wesley Fofana, allowing Cole Palmer to add a second from 12 yards. The Argentinian had previously taken a swipe at the club ownership after defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The former Reds' midfielder kept his job in order to be in the dugout for this weekend's trip to Chelsea. It was an impressive first-half display, but United failed to make chances count, with Matheus Cunha seeing an effort chalked out for offside.
Decision made after conference call
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Glazer Family, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox had made the decision after a lengthy conference call to discuss Carrick's future on Monday. Carrick appeared to be destined for the sack after United were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth at Old Trafford last Sunday.
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have emerged as two contenders to steer United forward, though a firm decision has not yet been taken. Howe has been out of the dugout since July, and reports have emerged suggesting that United will have to pay around £3 million in compensation as part of his agreement to leave Newcastle United.
Nagelsmann viewed as ideal successor
Nagelsmann has been out of the dugout since leaving his role as Germany head coach. His time in the international hot seat came to an end after their shock defeat to Paraguay. The former RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich boss is said to be viewed as the ideal successor in the eyes of head of recruitment Christopher Vivell.
As updates continue to seep out of Old Trafford, the MEN will be here with any and all updates on Carrick's future.
