Former Man Utd player linked with Premier League job with manager under 'serious' threat of being sacked

Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick could be the next Crystal Palace manager, according to a fresh report.

Last night the Eagles lost 1-0 to bitter rivals Brighton at the Amex, to pile the pressure on manager Patrick Vieira.

While the Frenchman enjoyed an encouraging first campaign with the south Londoners, the club’s relative inertia in the summer window along with Vieira’s inability to get the best out of his attacking talent may prove costly.

While Palace have sat 12th in the Premier League for over two months, they have not won since December 30th, making them one of only two sides in England’s top four leagues without a win this calendar year.

Vieira is set to visit his former club Arsenal in the final match before the international break, and with the Eagles now just three points from the relegation zone, it remains to be seen whether he will be in place for the club’s home fixture against Leicester on April 1.

Carrick to Crystal Palace?

According to the Guardian’s Ed Aarons, Vincent Kompany and Carrick could be targeted​​ by the Palace hierarchy should Vieira be sacked.

Palace chairman Steve Parish is allegedly “seriously considering” sacking Vieira, after the club’s disastrous run of 12 games without a win.

According to the report, Parish is “deeply unimpressed” by performances in recent weeks and has already begun sounding out replacements for Vieira.

Carrick could reportedly be targeted if the club make a change, with the former United man having impressed at Middlesbrough since taking over as manager in October.

The 41-year-old has completely transformed the Teesiders, in five months taking them from 22nd to 3rd in the Championship, just six points from an automatic promotion spot.

Indeed, the former England international has steered his side to an impressive 2.14 points per game in all competitions, winning 15, drawing two and losing just five of his 22 games in charge thus far.

Meanwhile, Manchester City legend Kompany has revolutionised Burnley this term. The Clarets top the Championship, having not lost a league game since early November.

Burnley sit some 19 points above Middlesbrough, with just nine games remaining of the season.