Man Utd's stance on sacking Michael Carrick revealed as behind-the-scenes 'view' emerges

Some senior figures at Manchester United believe that Michael Carrick has been 'let down' by the club's players, according to reports - but his position is said to be significantly uncertain.

United were thrashed 4-1 by Como in the Champions League on Tuesday, with captain Bruno Fernandes directly questioning the side's tactics in his post-match interview. Carrick walked over to the away support in Lombardy to apologise for the performance, but stressed afterwards that he remains fully committed to the job.

In the hours following the defeat, it was reported that Julian Nagelsmann has been 'sounded out' as a possible replacement for Carrick, but INEOS have not yet made a decision over his future. However, new details indicate exactly how the club's hierarchy feels about their head coach's position.

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Man Utd figures think players 'have let down' Michael Carrick - report

According to BBC Sport, Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, with the 45-year-old looking to halt a run of seven matches without a win in all competitions.

It is claimed that 'some senior figures' at United believe that Carrick 'has been let down by players who are under-performing', and accept that 'chopping and changing managers' in recent years has not delivered stability or long-term success to Old Trafford.

And there is also said to be an 'appreciation' - it is unclear as to what extent - of United's progress last season under Carrick's management, though that clearly hasn't translated to the current season.

But significantly, United have 'already begun the process of identifying possible replacements' for Carrick. There will be a host of managers in the running - but whether any of them are deemed to be the ideal candidate by minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS remains to be seen.

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Eddie Howe was the clear frontrunner, in terms of the latest odds, on Wednesday night but Antonio Conte, Fabian Hurzeler and Nagelsmann have all been linked with the role if it becomes available. According to Ben Jacobs, Brighton boss Hurzeler is not interested in the United job.

What Michael Carrick said after Como defeat

During his post-match media conference, Carrick was specifically asked whether he believed that United's squad were still 'playing' for him after their heavy defeat in Como.

"It shouldn't be me. It's not about playing for me," he definitively replied. "It's about playing for this football club. It's the responsibility that comes with it.

"I'm in the position. I'm responsible for this football club and the supporters. I'm giving my best, my absolute best, all the time. I care about it. My whole life's wrapped around it. Listen, it might go well, it might not go so well. But I genuinely give everything that I possibly can.

READ MORE: Michael Carrick responds after Bruno Fernandes directly calls out Man Utd tactics after Como defeat

"It's not about me, in the relationship. It's about what we all give - players, staff - for this football club."