Manchester United manager Michael Carrick remains under pressure and could lose his job following Sunday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann remain as the top two Manchester United candidates to replace Michael Carrick if he is sacked. Following a stunning comeback win over AS Roma in the Champions League, pressure on Carrick alleviated, but he remains under significant scrutiny following seven defeats already this season.

United were on course for an eighth defeat earlier this week with the visitors to Old Trafford 2-0 up at half-time. However, Matheus Cunha scored twice in the second half to complete the turnaround following a Bruno Fernandes penalty.

That victory took United up to mid-table in the European standings, but in the Premier League, Saturday's results have pushed them into the relegation zone ahead of hosting Aston Villa.

Unai Emery's side head to Manchester after losing in Barcelona and drawing at home to Fulham. They have, however, been good on the road in the league, having beaten Tottenham and Newcastle before handing Manchester City their first loss of the season at Villa Park last month.

United are understood to want Carrick to succeed, with decision-makers not totally set on one candidate. However, lose today, and they may be forced to take action.

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Carrick looked destined to be sacked after the defeat to Bournemouth two weeks ago, but the decision was made to keep him on before then assessing his position during the November international break.

If United chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe decide to make a change, Nagelsmann and Howe appear to be the top two replacement options.

That is despite the fact that United opted against making a change a few weeks ago, with the lack of options available forming part of the reason why Carrick remained at the helm.

Both options remain high up on the shortlist. However, Nagelsmann is admired by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, while Wilcox is reportedly in favour of appointing Howe given his Premier League experience.

Though the duo are technically free agents, United would need to pay a compensation fee of £3million to appoint Howe. That fee is much lower than what would have been required to get Fabian Hurzeler or Unai Emery out of their respective Brighton and Aston Villa contracts.

Hurzeler has since ruled out heading to Old Trafford mid-season, while Emery was involved in a positive meeting with Villa chiefs earlier this week to discuss his future. It was later reported by The Telegraph earlier this week that he is in advanced talks to sign a new contract.