Carrick on the brink as United line up Howe and Nagelsmann after Bournemouth humiliation

Michael Carrick is facing the sack as Manchester United manager after a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday extended the club’s winless run to eight games and left them 16th in the Premier League, two points above the relegation zone.

The result compounded a wretched week for Carrick, who had dropped captain Bruno Fernandes following Fernandes’ public criticism of his tactics after a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como on Wednesday. The gamble backfired badly, with United producing another listless display at Old Trafford that prompted chants of “sacked in the morning” from travelling Bournemouth supporters.

Carrick, who was applauded by United fans as he walked down the tunnel, insisted the gesture was not a goodbye. “It wasn’t a farewell from me,” he said, though he acknowledged he does not know whether he will be dismissed. The club have now made their worst start to a season in 40 years.

The 43-year-old initially returned to Old Trafford as interim manager — his second caretaker stint — following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this year. He was handed the full-time role after guiding United to third in the Premier League last season, but form has collapsed dramatically in the current campaign.

Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is understood to be the leading candidate to succeed him, with former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann also available. United are also weighing another interim appointment, mirroring the situation they faced just ten months ago.

The dressing room unrest extends beyond Fernandes. Defender Lisandro Martinez had already publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy following a defeat at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, painting a picture of a squad that has lost faith in its direction both on and off the pitch.

For Carrick, the question now appears to be not whether he will leave, but when the formal announcement will come.