They are believed to be holding emergency talks over whether to relieve Carrick of his duties in the wake of the defeat to Bournemouth.

The report adds that United executives have already contacted Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann to gauge their interest in joining the Red Devils.

It's been widely reported that Howe is favoured by Wilcox, who values his experience of managing in the Premier League with Bournemouth and Newcastle.

However, head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is said to prefer the idea of appointing Nagelsmann, who has been out of work since leaving the Germany job in the summer.

The under-fire boss was applauded by supporters following the defeat to Bournemouth and said afterwards that he was unsure what the future would hold for him.

"It wasn't a farewell from me," Carrick told Sky Sports. "I've got mixed emotions. I'm feeling it for my players, they're going through a tough spell. Some of it we can help, some of it the situation unravels and the boys are feeling it at the moment.

"To have that connection with the supporters is mixed emotions, it'll take a bit of time to digest, but I certainly appreciate their support. The situation is where we are, and we haven't had results or performances that have been good enough.

"I take responsibility, of course. I accept the responsibility, whatever is going to happen results-wise. I am in this position because I respect the position and the responsibility is mine. What else can I say?

Asked if he was expecting to be sacked, Carrick replied: "I am not expecting anything. I will always do what is best for the football club. If I had the answers I would not have let it happen. I have tried to do everything I can to not be in this situation."