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Many had expected Michael Carrick to be sacked but as it stands, the under-fire Manchester United head coach remains in charge of the embattled Premier League giants.
Carrick’s position has come under intense scrutiny following United’s 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth on Monday (AEDT), which extended the club’s winless run to eight matches across all competitions.
Former Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe and ex-Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann emerged as leading candidates to replace Carrick at Old Trafford.
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The Red Devils have won just two of their opening 12 games this season and sit 16th in the Premier League, sensationally only one point above the relegation zone.
In Manchester, United CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox met at Carrington to discuss the situation, while Carrick attended the training ground to watch an Under-21 fixture.
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Has Michael Carrick been sacked by Manchester United?
United have not confirmed Carrick’s dismissal, although the club’s hierarchy is actively considering a managerial change.
According to The Guardian, Wilcox and Berrada held discussions at Carrington following the Bournemouth defeat, with Carrick’s future a central issue.
Sky Sports reports that United had already begun assessing potential replacements before the Bournemouth result, with the expectation among some club insiders that Carrick will lose his job.
However, no official announcement has been made, and it remains unclear whether the 45-year-old will oversee the upcoming Premier League clash with Chelsea on Saturday
Who could replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United?
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have emerged as leading contenders should United decide to make a change.
Howe is reportedly the preferred candidate of Wilcox, who values the former Newcastle manager’s Premier League experience.
The Guardian reports that contact has already been made with Howe, who is open to taking charge at Old Trafford, subject to negotiations.
However, questions remain over the potential cost of appointing the Englishman.
While Howe is no longer managing Newcastle, reports have raised uncertainty over whether his former club could be entitled to compensation, believed to be in the region of £6million.
United are also admirers of Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery, although securing the Spaniard’s services could reportedly cost approximately £20million in compensation
What is the latest on Julian Nagelsmann?
Nagelsmann has significant support within Manchester United’s recruitment department.
The former Bayern Munich and Germany head coach is highly regarded by United’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, who previously worked with him at RB Leipzig.
Vivell is believed to have sounded out Nagelsmann about the possibility of moving to Old Trafford.
However, Wilcox’s preference for Howe could carry greater weight in discussions with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees United’s football operations.
Former Chelsea, Juventus, Napoli and Inter boss Antonio Conte is another name reportedly under consideration
Could Bruno Fernandes leave Manchester United for AC Milan?
Uncertainty surrounding United extends beyond Michael Carrick, with captain Bruno Fernandes reportedly attracting interest from Italian giants AC Milan.
The Serie A club are coached by former United head coach Ruben Amorim, raising the possibility of a reunion between the Portuguese pair.
According to Calciomercato.com, the Portugal midfielder’s relationship with the club has broken down, and he could push for a January exit and that is where Milan are believed to be monitoring Fernandes.
Fernandes’ future has come under scrutiny amid United’s struggles, with speculation over whether the midfielder could seek a fresh challenge.
He was also an unused substitute during the defeat to Bournemouth, days after publicly questioning Carrick’s tactics following a UEFA Champions League loss to Como.
Carrick insisted the decision was based on footballing considerations rather than disciplinary reasons.
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