Michael Carrick faces Man Utd sack ultimatum as new candidate emerges

Michael Carrick reportedly has one game to save his job after avoiding the sack following Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

Carrick has somehow managed to avoid losing his job despite guiding United to just one Premier League victory so far this term – against Ipswich Town in August.

The last week has been particularly challenging for the head coach, following a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Serie A side Como before United lost 3-0 to Bournemouth at Old Trafford four days later.

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Earlier this week, Carrick met with the club’s hierarchy, who decided to give him the chance to stay in his role for Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea (October 31).

A fresh report from GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs suggests Carrick will be given more time if he can achieve a positive result against Chelsea. Otherwise, he could face the sack, with a number of managers potentially in line to replace him at Old Trafford.

“Michael Carrick remains under pressure,” Jacobs explained.

“He’s got Stamford Bridge and Chelsea. If he can get a positive result there, the expectation is that he’ll get Roma and Aston Villa, and then there’s an international break.”

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Who could replace Michael Carrick at Man Utd?

Jason Wilcox’s admiration for former Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, who is currently out of work, is well documented. Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte remains linked with the role, while Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is also held in high regard at the club.

However, United would be expected to pay around £20million in compensation to acquire his services.

“You’ve got Eddie Howe, who is a free agent, but there is compensation due nonetheless to Newcastle United of around £3million,” Jacobs added.

“There is Julian Nagelsmann, who’s behind Howe at the moment in terms of internal thinking if they do make a change.

“Antonio Conte, Cesc Fabregas, Unai Emery, Fabian Hurzeler, all names that have been discussed.”

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler reportedly does not want to leave the Seagulls mid-season.

Jacobs added: “My information is that Hurzeler won’t leave Brighton mid-season, and it’ll be really difficult to get Emery away from Aston Villa, because even though Manchester United is a big club, he’s done amazing work at Villa, and he has a massive amount of control.

“Manchester United is a different and more collaborative project, and Unai Emery might well need some convincing, and even if he wanted the role, you’ve got to negotiate compensation with Aston Villa as well.

“But from the free agents, it seems like a leading contender is Eddie Howe, who would be open to the role if a change is made, but for now, Manchester United are backing Michael Carrick.”

Fabregas had not previously been linked with the potential vacancy but would no doubt excite United fans given what his Como side did to the Red Devils in the Champions League.

The Spaniard, who represented Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Monaco and Como as a player, has a respectable track record in his fledgling management career, having guided the Lombardy side to Champions League qualification last term. He also served as assistant coach to Osian Roberts during the 2023/24 promotion campaign.

How could Cesc Fabregas benefit Man Utd?

If Fabregas were to arrive at Old Trafford, he would likely demand the club’s support and ask the club to bring in players who fit his unique style.

Attacking midfielder Nico Paz is reportedly being monitored by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with the 22-year-old Spain-born Argentina international proving integral to Como’s success since his move from Real Madrid in 2024.

Real hold a €9million (£7.5million) buy-back clause on Paz. Other reports claim a new agreement has been struck, allowing Madrid to sign him for €80million (£66.9million) before the clause expires in the summer of 2027.

Another Como star attracting interest from Premier League clubs is centre-back Jacob Ramon, who also joined from Real Madrid in 2025.

The Spaniard has fitted into Fabregas’ side well, making 12 appearances in all competitions and contributing three goals.

Los Blancos hold a buy-back clause worth £7.7million, meaning they can re-sign the 21-year-old for that amount next summer. Other reports suggest Chelsea are lining up a January move for the youngster, while United and Arsenal retain interest.

Real also hold a 50 per cent sell-on clause, so they would still benefit financially even if they decided against re-signing the player.

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Next permanent Man Utd manager odds

· Eddie Howe — 8/11

· Julian Nagelsmann — 5/2

· Antonio Conte — 5/1

· Unai Emery — 9/1

· Kieran McKenna — 22/1

· Cesc Fàbregas — 25/1

· Gareth Southgate — 25/1

· Mauricio Pochettino — 33/1

· Ole Gunnar Solskjær — 33/1

· Darren Fletcher — 33/1

As per Oddschecker.