Many assumed Carrick would be ousted after last month's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. His team have since lost to Chelsea, come back to beat Roma and drawn against Villa.

So far, he remains in post. However, reports suggest that his position is being assessed today in a meeting and will be the subject of conversations over the international break between senior club figures.

If Carrick does get the sack, United will need to have a replacement lined up in advance. But so far, their reported attempts at persuading a top manager to take the job have fallen short. Express Sport takes a look at three coaches who have snubbed a switch to Old Trafford already.

Chants of "10 more years, 10 more years, Unai Emery" could be heard from the away end on Sunday, and the 55-year-old is in active talks with his current employers to extend his stay beyond 2029 - the year his current deal expires.

Appointing Emery presented United with huge issues even before the contract talks because Villa would've demanded a huge compensation package, given the Spaniard is already under contract and earning £12million a year.

United contacted his team about potentially taking over at Old Trafford. The response was immediate and brutal. Deschamps rejected the chance to drink from what has become a poisoned chalice.

He cited a preference to continue his break from club management, having last managed Marseille in 2012, and the general disorder at United. The 58-year-old former France boss also has one eye on the Real Madrid job should Jose Mourinho slip up.

The Seagulls have been flying high under Fabian Hurzeler this season and, of course, in October, when Carrick was on the brink, the German was linked with the United job.

A member of United's board reportedly 'can't stop talking' about him and put his name forward as a leading candidate to take over should Carrick be removed.

However, he firmly rejected any notion that he could be persuaded to leave the Amex Stadium, as he is committed to sticking by the project he has fronted so excellently. There is also no release clause in his Brighton contract.

"I'm really privileged to be here. I'm part of a journey and I still have this feeling when I go to bed that we are not finished with our journey. I always emphasise that I'm not 100 per cent satisfied and happy with where we are, there are still improvements to make.

"It's a people business. Making a people business out of this pressure business is something I don't take for granted and something I won't throw away that fast."

The German boss also offered some words of support for Carrick. He said: "I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick and the job he has done at Manchester United the last season. He's a great human being, a great personality, and I really respect him. There's nothing more to say about that."