Man United hit a new low on Sunday, losing 0-3 to AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford. The defeat extends Man United's winless run to eight matches, leaving them just above the Premier League relegation zone. Carrick's future as Man United manager is now in serious doubt.
According to Sky Sports News, Man United’s hierarchy had already been considering alternative managerial candidates before the defeat by AFC Bournemouth. The club is experiencing its worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
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Man United's hierarchy will now accelerate the search for a new manager, with club insiders expecting Carrick to be sacked.
Football Director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada will ultimately make the decision and submit their recommendations to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
AFC Bournemouth earned a thoroughly deserved victory at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Man United clearly outplayed, making Carrick's position appear untenable. Captain Bruno Fernandes was dropped for the entire match following mid-week criticism of Carrick's tactics, and Man United was fortunate to lose by only three goals.
Neville stated during Sky Sports commentary: "It's going to be incredibly difficult for Carrick to continue as Man United manager. That's the problem facing the club now." Neville also concluded on his personal podcast: "They will almost certainly sack him. Man United might make a decision tomorrow that fans dislike, but it's probably necessary."
Carragher added: "Carrick should be sacked tonight. This is in the best interests of both Man United and Carrick himself. His position is no longer tenable."
Sky Sports News reporters Rob Dorsett and Dan Khan report that Nagelsmann and Howe are the two leading candidates to replace Carrick as Man United manager if he departs. Both could take over immediately, and Man United would not have to pay compensation to appoint either.
Howe said in July that he wanted to take a break from football after stepping down as Newcastle manager. However, Sky Sports News understands that he would be interested in speaking to Man United if a managerial vacancy arose.
Former Man United sporting director Dan Ashworth previously recommended Howe as a suitable candidate, having worked closely with him at Newcastle. It is believed that Man United’s current Football Director, Wilcox, prefers to appoint a manager with Premier League experience.
Nagelsmann is well acquainted with Man United's director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, having worked closely with him at RB Leipzig. The former Bayern manager has been without a club since leaving the German national team following a disappointing World Cup this summer, when Germany was eliminated by Paraguay in the Round of 16.
Man United also considered Emery and Conte as potential replacements, but neither is currently regarded as a leading candidate. Emery is understood to remain focused on his role at Aston Villa.
However, Carragher believes Aston Villa manager Emery should be Man United's top target.
Carragher said: "When I think of Man United, I think of this manager. I believe Emery is the best manager in the Premier League, but I have reservations about him. Yes, his Europa League record is outstanding, but someone so successful would surely want to prove himself in the Champions League."
"He wants to win the Champions League, but he cannot achieve that goal at Aston Villa."
"He had two unsuccessful spells at PSG and Arsenal. I feel he would definitely want the opportunity to prove himself at a truly elite club. Sorry, Villa fans."