Manchester United’s senior executives have begun discussions over head coach Michael Carrick’s future following the club’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox arrived at the club’s Carrington training ground on Monday morning, despite the players having a scheduled day off.

The pair are expected to hold conference calls with co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to determine whether Carrick will remain in charge.

The discussions are also expected to include potential replacements should the club decide to dismiss the 45-year-old.

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann Emerge as Potential Replacements

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have been identified as leading candidates to take over if Manchester United part ways with Carrick.

Both managers are currently without clubs and would be available to assume the role immediately.

The uncertainty surrounding Carrick’s position intensified after bookmakers stopped accepting bets on whether he would be dismissed.

Carrick has 18 months remaining on the two-year contract he signed in May after guiding United back into the Champions League.

Bournemouth Defeat Deepens Pressure on Carrick

Sunday’s loss to Bournemouth was Manchester United’s sixth defeat in 12 games this season.

Following the match, Carrick appeared emotional as he addressed supporters, prompting speculation that he was saying goodbye. He later denied that this had been his intention.

The head coach also said he had not held any substantive discussions with Berrada or Wilcox about his future, although he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his position.

“Just briefly they came down like they always do after a game, but nothing out of the ordinary,” Carrick said.

He added that he was continuing with his responsibilities while awaiting a decision from the club.

“I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything either way. I’m carrying on as normal. I love this place. I’ll always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club and I won’t change that now, whatever decision is made,” he said.

Carrick Accepts Responsibility for United’s Results

Carrick acknowledged that Manchester United’s recent performances had fallen below the required standard and accepted responsibility for the team’s position.

“It’s a tough situation, there’s no hiding from it. What it looks like and what’s next I really don’t know,” he said.

He added that he had tried to prevent the club from reaching its current position but said several factors had contributed to the results.

“I respect the position that I’m in, and the responsibility is mine,” Carrick said.

The former United midfielder also spoke about the emotional impact of the poor run on the squad, saying several players had been affected by the defeats.

“I’m feeling it for my players, they’re going through a tough spell. There’s a lot of emotion in the changing room right now, there’s a lot of the boys quite hurt, to be fair,” he said.

He added that the players he had spoken to were concerned about the team’s situation.

United Prepare for Chelsea Match After Free Week

Manchester United have a full week without a match after their recent European fixtures in Spain and Italy and their elimination from the Carabao Cup by Brighton.

The team are not scheduled to play again until Saturday lunchtime, when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

The period without a fixture gives the club’s leadership time to consider Carrick’s future before the next Premier League match.