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Michael Carrick's days at Manchester United seem to be numbered following yet another loss at Old Trafford this season. The downtrodden boss oversaw a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon to add more misery in his first year in the permanent hot seat. The ex-United captain was handed the reins in the summer after guiding the club to third last year while in interim charge.
He spent £153million but this hasn't yielded positive results so far. In eight Premier League games, Carrick has won just once - a 5-2 beating of Ipswich Town, which they initially went behind in.
A 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Como in the Champions League meant that Sunday's game against Bournemouth was extremely important. But yet again, the Red Devils came up short and are now just one point above the relegation zone.
Now, the United boss admits he will take responsibility for the result and will do what is best for the club. Carrick said: "I totally understand the situation, I'm not expecting anything in particular to be honest, I'm carrying on as normal and I love this place, I always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made and anything really, so that's kind of it, I'm not expecting anything at all."
So, what comes next for United? Here, Express Sport has looked at seven potential caretaker bosses that could take charge if Carrick does get the boot in the coming hours.
The ex-United star has been extremely vocal about his disdain for the club's poor management in the past. So, could he be the answer to light a fire under the current squad before a permanent boss is brought in?
The former Ireland international managed Sunderland and Ipswich Town, with an average win rate of 38.7% across 181 games. However, his playing record is much easier on the eye with seven Premier League titles won and several domestic trophies in his cabinet.
His fiery persona could be just the kick up the backside that the current squad needs.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been in the United hot seat before and did bring a level of success to his former club. The Norwegian managed the Red Devils for 168 games, winning 91 and losing 40.
He also led United to a second-placed Premier League finish and the Europa League final in the same season, losing on penalties to Villarreal at the conclusion of the 2020/21 campaign. The question is whether he can come back and handle the pressure at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher has taken interim charge before and could see Carrick's rise to the permanent position as a potential avenue for himself. The ex-Scotland international took temporary charge in January this year, drawing with Burnley and exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Brighton.
He currently manages the United U-18s and would be one of the easiest options for the club's hierarchy to take if they decide to axe Carrick.
Steve Holland is another option close to United's hand, given he is Carrick's assistant. The ex-Derby County man also helped manage England alongside Gareth Southgate and enjoyed stints at Chelsea, Stoke City and Crewe Alexandra. The only obstacle would be his decision on whether he'd follow his current manager out the Old Trafford doors, or stay to help keep stability within the squad.
Former United captain Steve Bruce is another seasoned veteran in the managerial hot seat, having managed 13 teams over 26 years in the business. His past in English football includes Hull City, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Birmingham City.
With over 1,000 games in the dugout, Bruce may opt for a return to management to bring United back into the upper half of the Premier League table.
Wayne Rooney knows exactly what winning is all about at Old Trafford. The ex-forward was part of a hugely successful United side under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning 16 major trophies, which include five Premier League titles.
His managerial career wasn't as fruitful, however, as he managed a 25.3% win rate across stints at Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle. He may be an option for the club chiefs if they decide to keep opting for former United players in the dugout.
Perhaps a rogue choice, but Sam Allardyce is arguably one of the most experienced names on this list. He has 13 clubs on his CV, including Premier League sides such as Everton, Sunderland and Newcastle.
He is a United fan, regularly attends matches alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, and is an expert at steering clubs away from the relegation zone.
The 72-year-old most recently managed Leeds in 2023 but holds the record for the shortest tenure in Premier League history with just 30 days spent at Elland Road. He has won 411 games across a 32-year career.
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