Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler and Aston Villa’s Unai Emery are not expected to be frontrunners for the Man Utd job if Michael Carrick is sacked, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs said that Hurzeler has decided he won’t depart the Amex before the end of the season, while there are several issues that would prevent Emery from taking the helm at Old Trafford:

“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.”

Carrick’s future may hinge on the Chelsea fixture

It is believed that the current Red Devils head coach will be given more time to turn things around if he manages to get a positive result at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

However, if United do suffer another defeat against Chelsea, there is a good chance that the Manchester club will opt to make a change in the dugout.

Who is the favourite to be the next permanent Man Utd boss?

The bookmakers agree with Jacobs that Eddie Howe is the leading candidate to succeed Carrick. It is believed that United are looking for someone with Premier League experience, which gives him the edge over the next man on the list, Julian Nagelsmann.

Antonio Conte, Emery and ex-Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna make up the rest of the top five at the bookies.