Man Utd hierarchy in 'civil war' over next manager with two names in running to replace Michael Carrick
Manchester United is in turmoil as the club hierarchy debates sacking Michael Carrick after their brutal 4-1 loss to Como.
Just five months after Carrick was appointed as permanent head coach at United, his role at the club is now under question following a dismal run of form that has seen his side go winless in seven matches.
The poor form sees United sitting 13th and 20th in the Premier League and Champions League, sparking turmoil among the United board as they consider Carrick's future, with senior officials at the club reportedly arguing over two potential replacements.
Man United board in turmoil over Michael Carrick replacement
As United's season continues to go from bad to worse to disastrous, several managers have been linked with potentially coming in to replace Carrick should he be dismissed.
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The most recent 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday appears that it might be the final nail in the coffin for Carrick, with the upcoming Premier League clash with Bournemouth likely to be his last in charge of his former club.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes calling out Carrick in a controversial post-match interview means Carrick's position is untenable, but according to The Mail, the club hierarchy cannot figure out his replacement.
The report claims that there are ‘growing tensions’ between Man Utd’s director of football Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, with a 'civil war' reportedly underway at the club.
It is claimed that this war is centred on who United will appoint to replace Carrick if, or when, he is sacked after this weekend's fixture, with Wilcox and Vivell reportedly disagreeing over two names.
The two managers Man United's hierarchy are fighting over to replace Michael Carrick
Vivell is said to be ‘pushing hard’ for Julian Nagelsmann, who recently emerged as one of the leading candidates after leaving his role as Germany manager after a lacklustre World Cup campaign.
Meanwhile Wilcox, who is said to be 'Vivell’s boss in the chain of command', would rather have a Premier League-proven manager with a number linked with the United job.
Eddie Howe, Fabian Hurzeler, Unai Emery and Antonio Conte have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, but as it stands, it is believed that Howe is the most likely of the bunch.
The former Newcastle United manager is said to be held in high regard among the Man United board, and with Howe ready to return to management, it could be a relatively straightforward appointment.
Meanwhile Hurzeler, while he would be a good appointment, reportedly has no intentions of leaving Brighton this season having led them to third in the Premier League so far this season.
Emery could be interested in a move to Old Trafford, but it is believed that convincing him to leave Aston Villa mid-season would be challenging.
Should both Howe and Nagelsmann miss out on the United job, either by their own decision or the club's, then Conte also remains a possible appointment, with some reports claiming United have already held talks with him.
It's believed that Conte is already making major demands of United if he's going to take over in the Old Trafford dugout, including complete freedom to sign the players he wants, a demand United are believed to be weighing up before escalating talks.
Topics: Michael Carrick, Premier League, Champions League, Man Utd
Ben McCrum