Manchester United find themselves needing to respond or face joining the managerial merry-go-round again as Michael Carrick faces pressure

Manchester United will reportedly face an uphill task in convincing Unai Emery. Michael Carrick is under pressure at Old Trafford and his role in the hotseat faces immense scrutiny following a run of no wins in seven matches.

Sunday's visit from Bournemouth poses a crucial challenge for the 45-year-old with the need to bounce back from Wednesday's 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League. Due to the mounting pressure surrounding Carrick, several potential successors have been suggested, including the Aston Villa boss.

According to The Telegraph, United will have to meet the release clause in Emery's contract at Villa Park but also break the 'unbreakable' relationship with co-owner Nassef Sawiris, who is said to have played a key role in convincing him to join four years ago.

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Villa are perfect so far in the Champions League while sitting just one point ahead of United in the Premier League. Emery etched himself in folklore at the West Midlands club after winning the Europa League last season.

The Spaniard is reportedly feeling 'incredibly positive' about the future of the club, as well as the potential of the new team.

Emery has been listed as one of five potential candidates to succeed the Premier League-winning midfielder. Eddie Howe is reportedly the favourite to replace Carrick after emerging as Jason Wilcox's preference.

Head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is said to have an admiration for Julian Nagelsmann, who has been out of management since leaving his role as Germany head coach.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Fabian Hurzeler is said to have admirers at Old Trafford but in order to bring him across the Premier League, it could cost in excess of a reported £20million.

Reports have suggested that Howe is open to an immediate return to management after leaving Newcastle United in July.

Carrick is set to remain in the hot seat with the visit of Marco Rose's Bournemouth being the next challenge.

The Cherries are in a resurgent form, buoyed by their historic win over European royalty in AC Milan. Bournemouth brushed aside Ruben Amorim's 10-men on Thursday with a 3-0 win.

But the 45-year-old United boss remains defiant about turning around their fortunes, having earned the post on the back of a phenomenal run of form that catapulted them into Europe.

He said: "My responsibility is to get a team on the pitch that represents this football club, represents the supporters and they can be proud of it with the identity that we show.

"We have gone away from that just recently in certain games, which I'm fully aware of and definitely doing something about.

"I think it's important we all recognise that. I certainly recognise it. Our supporters of are the utmost importance to me and this football club.

"For them to feel like they felt for five months at the start of the year and have that about us, that connection and that real vigour, intensity and enjoyment and passion is something we need to get back to. We will get back to it. I fully believe that."