Manchester United manager search takes major twist as new Michael Carrick details emerge

Sky Sports report that there remains support for Carrick within the United hierarchy, who have been said to be split on a potential replacement amid strong links to the likes of former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann.

However, Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa to Old Trafford is likely to prove crucial before another review of the situation, with United having won just one of their opening nine games in the Premier League this term - at home to newly-promoted Ipswich back in August - as they go into the final weekend before the November international break sitting 17th in the table and outside of the relegation zone on goal difference only.

Villa are led by Unai Emery, who has also been linked with United but is expected now to sign a new long-term contract at Villa Park.

In a shock further twist to the saga, it was initially claimed in France on Thursday that Deschamps had been approached about potentially succeeding Carrick.

No interest: Didier Deschamps does not want to take over at Manchester United

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The 58-year-old is currently out of work after his successful 14-year spell in charge of the French national team - which included several major finals and one World Cup triumph - ended following the summer tournament, when he stood down after the expiration of his contract and was replaced by Zinedine Zidane.

However, it has since been reported by multiple outlets that Deschamps has indicated that he would have no interest in taking the United job as things stand, instead preferring to wait to likely return to football next summer.

It was a similar situation previously with fellow club legend Ole Gunner Solskjaer, while Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ralf Rangnick are other managers to have fulfilled interim or caretaker roles at United in recent years.