Michael Carrick looked set to be dismissed by Manchester United but the powers that be at Old Trafford aren't sure about who could replace him

Manchester United bosses are reportedly unconvinced by any of the available Michael Carrick replacements. The United head coach's position appeared to be untenable after Sunday's 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

Majority shareholders Joel and Avram Glazer, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, director of football Jason Wilcox and club CEO Omar Berrada had a lengthy call on Monday to discuss Carrick's future. Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany and Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann have been the two favourites for the position.

Another candidate understood to be in the mix is ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte, yet the United board have decided Carrick will remain in his post, at least for this weekend's trip to Chelsea.

The Sun suggest one reason why Carrick has kept his job is because United's key stakeholders are not convinced by any of the free agent candidates. One source claimed recognised United are struggling to attract big-name targets and said: "The best ones won’t come."

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United have not made a formal approach for Conte, who is a free agent after leaving Napoli in the summer. Wilcox is believed to be pushing for Howe, who left Newcastle United in the summer.

It's also believed Howe is familiar with the ins and outs of the club having anticipated a potential opening in the future. However, Nagelsmann is also being pushed by head of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who worked with the German during their time together in the Red Bull group.

Unai Emery also has many admirers within Old Trafford, but he is locked into a tight contract at Villa Park which does not expire until 2029. Extracting him from the Midlands would likely be an expensive and difficult ordeal.

Nevertheless, Carrick will be granted time to arrest the malaise. The Reds have gone eight matches in all competitions without a victory.

They are languishing in 16th in the Premier League and are just one point above the relegation zone. They are also out of the League Cup, having been knocked out in the third round by Brighton and Hove Albion, and are also 20th in the Champions League table.

Carrick oversaw an excellent run as caretaker manager last season, recording more points than any other Premier League manager from the stage he took over, which dragged United into an impressive third-placed finish.

United sought to rebuild the midfield by signing Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in the summer, but the failure to sign any new defenders - particularly at left-back - has cost Carrick dearly.

Should the Reds keep Carrick beyond this weekend's trip to Stamford Bridge, he will have to prepare his side for a vital Champions League home clash against Roma, which would be followed by a home battle with Aston Villa.