Manchester United in Julian Nagelsmann verdict as Michael Carrick sack decision made

Michael Carrick remains as manager and was reportedly expected to be sacked once a replacement was lined up, with former Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe the favourite to land the role.

It was reported on Monday that Howe is the top choice of United director of football James Wilcox, while Nagelsmann - who is also unemployed after leaving his role with the Germany national team - is the pick of director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.

However, Nagelsmann is less appreciated elsewhere behind the scenes and The Atletic report that his hiring is considered unlikely.

Howe is also out of work, but could still prove a more expensive than expected appointment due to compensation reportedly owed to Newcastle despite his summer exit.

The Guardian report that figure was first believes to be as high as £6million, but a revised sum is said to be closer to £3m. Howe would also commanded a substantial salary, alongside assistant Jason Tindall.

The same publication reports that Carrick will only be dismissed once a replacement is lined up.

Frontrunner: Eddie Howe

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Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada held discussions with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe on Monday as United assessed their options.

The financial implications of dismissing Carrick, paying off his staff and hiring a replacement could influence the decision. However, the club must provide clarity soon, with supporters awaiting a clear explanation of the board’s plans.

Carrick arrived early at Carrington on Tuesday morning with his ongoing position still up in the air.

The former midfielder stabilised the side following Ruben Amorim’s difficult tenure, with his January appointment driving a rise to third in the Premier League. Those performances earned him a two-year contract, but Sunday’s 3-0 loss at Old Trafford against Bournemouth leaves him facing potential dismissal just five months later.

Discussions over the managerial situation continued into Monday with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. Carrick spent roughly three hours at Carrington on Monday afternoon, watching United Under-21s face Hull - the team that handed United a nightmare start to their Premier League season - in a private friendly, before departing around 5pm shortly after Wilcox's exit.

The wait for clarity over Carrick's future continues as he turned up early on Tuesday ahead of the players' return from a day off, with Wilcox and Berrada arriving at Carrington shortly afterwards.