Juventus have reportedly made contact with Julian Nagelsmann as their current manager, Luciano Spalletti, faces mounting pressure. The Old Lady have secured just two wins from their last seven matches, forcing their hierarchy to look at possible replacements, with Nagelsmann towards to the top of their list.

Former France manager Didier Deschamps, Stefano Pioli, Sergio Conceicao, and even ex-Juventus boss Antonio Conte are among the alternatives mentioned. The latter has similarly been suggested as a potential next manager of United, along with Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Unai Emery.

It seemed extremely likely that one of those figures would assume control at Old Trafford from Michael Carrick after the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, but the decision was made to give him the opportunity to turn around their fortunes.

The first test he faced following a vote of confidence from the board came at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Despite a robust opening 45 minutes, Chelsea took the lead just as the second half began, with Morgan Rogers given the freedom to surge through United's midfield and backline before chipping a delicate finish over Senne Lammens.

Xabi Alonso's team then secured a second via Cole Palmer from the penalty spot, with Lisandro Martinez, who was also sent off, conceding the spot-kick after raising his forearm towards Wesley Fofana. United are now without a win since early September and have suffered defeat in four of their most recent five matches across all competitions.

Despite certain encouraging signs against the Blues and the decision to retain Carrick, United might yet pursue a change in the technical area. One of their leading targets may shortly become unavailable, with Juventus expressing interest in Nagelsmann, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti.

He has suggested that the former Germany and Bayern Munich manager represents their favoured alternative to other contenders should a decision be made to dismiss Spalletti. Juventus host Napoli in Serie A action on Sunday evening and a defeat could see him replaced.

Carrick, meanwhile, is expected to continue in his position for at least United's next match, against AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Carrick 'takes responsibility' as position hangs in balance

The away supporters gave Carrick and the players a good ovation at full-time, and the head coach was keen to take the positives into their next match.

He told TNT Sport: "Didn't really get going second half. We should have been up first half really. Found a way of unravelling it second half. A bad goal to concede, a penalty and then were right up against it at that moment.

"We've got to move forward. We have to take the things that worked for us today and use that moving forward. I'm just looking forward to getting the boys ready for midweek now."

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