Manchester United have reportedly identified a new ‘dream’ candidate to potentially replace Michael Carrick.

Carrick’s future as Man Utd’s head coach is in serious doubt following Wednesday’s humiliating 4-1 defeat away at Como in the Champions League.

The former United midfielder apologised to travelling fans at full-time after his side were comprehensively outplayed by Cesc Fabregas’s impressive team, led by their brilliant playmaker Nico Paz, who scored two goals and provided an assist in the rout.

“First of all, I have to apologise to the supporters,” a beleaguered Carrick told reporters after the match. “I went over at the end. I care about this football club as much as anyone, if not more. I know the position that I'm in, that I value this football club.

“For us to play in that way, it's not acceptable. It wasn't a good performance at all. We wanted to build on what we brought to Leeds and the performance that we had at Leeds. That bit of intensity, that aggression, that real willingness to give everything tonight was totally the opposite of the performance. I have to say it was tough to watch.”

New 'Dream Candidate' Emerges For Man Utd

It’s understood that Carrick is expected to still be in charge for Sunday’s crunch Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, despite Wednesday’s heavy defeat in Italy.

The club’s hierarchy are sticking with the 45-year-old for now, although the situation could soon change if United find the right replacement.

It’s reported that former Bayern Munich and German boss Julian Nagelsmann would be keen on the job, while ex-Newcastle United and Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is another name in the frame, as is Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler.

However, United are said to have doubts over Italian tactician Antonio Conte, who is currently unattached after leaving Napoli in the summer.

A new name, described as one of United’s ‘dream candidates’ to replace Carrick, is Aston Villa’s Unai Emery.

This is according to the i Paper, who say Emery has ‘plenty of admirers among the Old Trafford hierarchy’.

United bosses are particularly impressed by his ability to rip up and rebuild his squad in a turbulent summer dealing with financial fair play regulations.

The report says it’s currently unclear whether Emery, who previously managed Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, would be open to joining the Red Devils. The Spaniard, 54, is currently fully committed to Aston Villa, who sit one spot above 13th-placed United in the Premier League table.

Emery has enhanced his status as one of the best coaches in world football during his four years at Villa Park.

Brighton’s Hurzeler described Emery as “one of the best managers in the world” back in August.

“He achieves great things and he and his team can be a role model for us regarding managing the Premier League and European competition,” the 33-year-old added.