REUTERS/Phil Noble
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is under pressure following a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth, and two leading candidates have now been named by Sky Sports.
It's United's second disappointing performance in the space of a few days, after they were also heavily defeated by Como 4-1 in the Champions League.
Carrick has been under pressure for a few weeks now after a difficult start to the campaign.
GIVEMESPORT sources have confirmed that United are succession planning in case they do make a change in the dugout.
According to Sky Sports, Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe are two of the leading candidates to replace Carrick if they do make a change.
They claim that his future is hanging by a thread following the defeat to Bournemouth, and United bosses were already considering alternatives before the loss.
It's also claimed that Antonio Conte and Unai Emery are not as high up in the thinking of the United hierarchy.
Points per game Carrick vs Howe
A decision is expected to be made by Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, who will make a recommendation to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
A number of managers have been linked with potentially taking over at United, but it still remains to be seen whether Carrick is going to be relieved of his duties.
The pressure is certainly mounting on the United manager following two defeats in a few days, especially considering the manner in which they lost.
Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher
Bold Carrick decision on Fernandes
REUTERS/Craig Brough
Carrick made the bold decision to drop Bruno Fernandes from the starting eleven for the game against Bournemouth, and it's a decision that backfired on the pitch.
Although the Red Devils have been disappointing with Fernandes in the team, they looked devoid of ideas in attack without him. United created very little against the Cherries, producing just 1.18 expected goals.
A decision like that really has to work out if a manager wants to be proven right. In reality, United looked worse without Bruno in the side, and not even bringing him off the bench was a huge shock.
Carrick was clearly looking to make a statement that players cannot speak publicly in a negative manner about some of his decisions.
Whether he lives to regret that decision remains to be seen, but it certainly feels like the pressure is seriously mounting on Carrick at Old Trafford. We'll likely find out more over the coming days.