Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is fighting for his job at Old Trafford after the team was thrashed 4-1 by Como in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Red Devils conceded in the opening minutes of each half and were dominated by Cesc Fabregas' side, with Nico Paz (2), Anastasios Douvakis, and Jacobo Ramon finding the net for the Serie A side, while Joshua Zirkzee scored an injury-time consolation goal after coming off the bench.

But the defeat leaves United seven games without a win, and with just two victories in all competitions all season, and now Carrick is under major pressure heading into the weekend clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

United have been linked with a host of managers in recent weeks, with speculation around Carrick's future rife, but according to a fresh report immediately after the defeat to Como, a new favourite for the role has emerged.

Journalist Alan Nixon reports on his Patreon that former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is considered to be the favourite to replace Carrick as the next head coach at Old Trafford.

Howe left the Magpies in the summer just weeks before the new season, having spent four-and-a-half years at St James Park, where he ended their 70-year wait for a trophy by lifting the EFL Cup in 2025.

Howe is understood to be very open to taking over from Carrick should the opportunity present itself, and United chiefs are understood to see an appeal in appointing a manager with experience and who is readily available.

At the time of writing, Carrick has not been sacked and is still expected to be in charge against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.

Howe is also expected to have other suitors should other jobs become available, which could see United miss out if they don't move quickly enough.

Is Howe The Right Man for Man Utd?

Eddie Howe's coaching credentials are something that can't be questioned. He has overseen a huge level of performance at Bournemouth, and helped take Newcastle to the next level during his time there under their new ownership.

He plays fast, attack-minded football and demands high energy from his teams, which is something Man Utd fans will love. He also isn't afraid to use youth when the situation calls for it, which would go down well at Old Trafford too.

But his lack of experience at the very highest level will likely go against him with some, and turning things around will be a mammoth task. INEOS must be decisive with their next move, as they cannot afford to get it wrong again.