Man Utd head coach Michael Carrick is on the brink of the sack following the 4-1 defeat to Como on Wednesday evening.

The result is not the biggest reason his job is under threat. Captain Bruno Fernandes’s public criticism of his tactics demonstrated that there are major rifts inside the dressing room.

Fernandes’s comments come not long after Lisandro Martinez slammed the club’s transfer strategy, and Carrick’s inability to keep his players onside may well lead to his downfall.

Press the next page as we list the 5 bookies’ favourites to replace Carrick in the Old Trafford dugout…

5) Cesc Fabregas

After thrashing United 4-1 on Wednesday night, the Como boss has seen his odds of taking over at Old Trafford shorten.

Most reports still believe that the likes of Unai Emery and Kieran McKenna are more likely to be considered for the job.

However, punters clearly liked what they have seen of Fabregas based on his time in Italy.

4) Fabian Hurzeler

The German is very much flavour of the month, having guided Brighton to an outstanding start to the season.

In their first seven Premier League games, the Seagulls have won 5, drawn 1 and lost 1, having scored 23 goals in the process.

Their 3-0 win over reigning champions Arsenal before the international break made many stand up and take notice of Hurzeler. Director of Football Jason Wilcox is said to be a fan.

3) Antonio Conte

The former Chelsea and Tottenham head coach is reportedly keen to take the United job if it becomes available.

Conte would be seen as a quick fix, as he rarely lasts more than 2 to 3 years due to his combustible personality, but he does get results.

The Italian has won the Premier League title as well as 5 Serie A championships as a manager.

2) Julian Nagelsmann

The Telegraph report that the former Bayern Munich and Germany manager is one of the “leading candidates” to replace Carrick.

Nagelsmann’s candidacy is being pushed by Director of Recruitment, Christopher Vivell, who worked with him at RB Leipzig.

The 39-year-old is currently out of work, and he is said to be keen on taking the job if it becomes vacant.

1) Eddie Howe

The ex- Newcastle boss is the firm favourite at the bookmakers, with the BBC having named him as a genuine contender to succeed Carrick, along with Nagelsmann and Conte.

Howe left St James’ Park at the beginning of August to take a break from football, having spent five and a half years with the Magpies.

The 48-year-old may have to be persuaded to join United, as it will likely be a massive rebuilding job.