Will Manchester United sack Michael Carrick and who could replace him as manager?

The pressure has been mounting on Carrick following a disappointing start to the season, and the situation took a turn for the worse this weekend as, without kicking a ball, Man Utd slipped into the Premier League relegation zone after Nottingham Forest beat Manchester City at the City Ground.

Man Utd are, at the time of writing, are 4-2 down at home to Aston Villa thanks to another calamitous performance.

Will Manchester United sack Michael Carrick?

Carrick had been widely expected to be sacked at that point and then again after Man Utd were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea in the Premier League, a result that sent them crashing down the table.

Now, even though Carrick ended a nine-game run without a victory in thrilling fashion against Roma, pressure still remains as the first half performance on Tuesday night was a disaster and United could have easily found themselves three or four goals down at half-time.

Michael Carrick inspired Manchester United to victory over Roma

PA

There’s an argument that Man Utd now have some much-needed momentum, but you get the feeling only a win over Villa on Sunday will be enough to keep Carrick in the job.

After all, would a draw against Villa would be enough? That question may only be answered come full-time as there is a scenario where United go into the international break in the relegation zone and therefore Carrick’s position becomes untenable.

Who decides if Michael Carrick is to be sacked?

As per reports, Manchester United's football operations leadership, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox hold all the power with regards to Carrick’s future.

Decision makers: Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox

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Who could replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United?

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are leading contenders to replace Carrick if he was to be sacked as Man United head coach.

Both are currently free agents after leaving Newcastle and the Germany national team respectively during the summer, but Howe’s Premier League experience may be the deciding factor if a change is made.

According to the Guardian, Howe is the current preferred candidate of Wilcox, but Nagelsmann is highly regarded by Christopher Vivell, Man United’s head of recruitment, to replace Carrick which means there is the potential of a power struggle at board level.

However, a spanner could be thrown in the works, with German outlet Bild claiming that Bayern Munich are interested in appointing Vivell.

Favourite: Eddie Howe

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In an extraordinary twist, Didier Deschamps has reportedly turned down an approach over the Man United manager’s job, as more details emerge over the future of Michael Carrick.

A new wildcard name in the frame is Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness, who his appointment would be considered another big gamble.