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Manchester United are considering Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte as possible replacements for under-fire manager Michael Carrick following the club’s humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.
According to ESPN, the defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday has intensified pressure on Carrick, coming just five days after United suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League.
United have now gone eight matches without a victory in all competitions and sit 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club are reportedly assessing alternative managerial options, with former Newcastle United boss Howe and ex-Germany national team coach Nagelsmann among the candidates being considered.
Conte, who left Napoli in the summer, would also be open to discussions if United approached him, the report added.
United had reportedly conducted background checks on several managers before appointing Carrick on a two-year contract in May, following his impressive interim spell.
However, the former United midfielder is now facing an uncertain future after failing to inspire a response from his players following the damaging defeat to Como.
Carrick’s decision to drop captain Bruno Fernandes for the Bournemouth match also attracted attention. The midfielder had criticised the team’s approach following the Como defeat, but his absence did little to improve United’s fortunes.
Bournemouth capitalised on defensive mistakes to score through Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson, deepening the crisis at Old Trafford.
Speaking after the match, Carrick admitted he did not know what the club would decide about his future.
“I totally understand the situation,” he said. “I am not expecting anything, I’m carrying on as normal. I love this place. I’ll always carry on doing what I think is the best for the football club.”
United face another difficult test against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, before challenging fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool.
With results continuing to deteriorate, Carrick faces mounting pressure to turn the situation around as United seek to avoid being dragged further into the relegation battle.
