Michael Carrick may only have one more game as Manchester United manager left, although GIVEMESPORT understands that if the Red Devils pick up a positive result at Chelsea this weekend, he will be handed more time to turn the club's fortunes around.

United make the trip to west London to face Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime having only won once at Stamford Bridge in the last six seasons, although that was last year, under Carrick.

Defeats to Como and Bournemouth piled the pressure on Carrick's shoulders, with club chiefs involved in crisis talks on Monday and Tuesday this week.

It was agreed that Carrick would remain in charge for the Chelsea clash, but depending on the outcome of that match, it could be the former player's last in charge.

Speaking in his exclusive GMS newsletter, senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs said: "Michael Carrick remains under pressure.

"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."

Six names in the frame to replace Carrick

A number of high-profile names have been linked with the job, should United feel the need to part ways with Carrick. Head of recruitment Christopher Vivell likes former Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, but sporting director Jason Wilcox would prefer to bring in someone with Premier League experience, with the likes of Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and even Aston Villa boss Unai Emery linked with the position.

Jacobs revealed who the preferred candidate would be, when discussing names.

He added: "You've got Eddie Howe, who is a free agent, but there is compensation due nonetheless to Newcastle United of around £3million.

There is Julian Nagelsman, 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."

GMS reported last week that Hurzeler has no plans to leave Brighton mid-season, if he is asked about taking over the reins at Old Trafford, and United might find it difficult when it comes to another name too.

Jacobs said: "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."