Manchester United face an uncertain spell with Michael Carrick's future as manager dominating the rumour mill

Manchester United chief Christopher Vivell could be offered a new job offer, which could hand a boost to Eddie Howe’s chances of getting the manager’s job. Michael Carrick’s future as United boss has been the subject of speculation for several weeks, with Howe one of a few candidates mentioned as a potential replacement.

Former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has also been mentioned as a possible successor to Carrick, but the latest update would give a boost to Howe’s chances of getting the job ahead of him.

There have been reports that United’s head of scouting is now wanted by Bayern Munich, which could have implications on who United turn to if Carrick fails to save his job.

Nils Schmadtke is expected to leave Bayern at the end of January after both parties agreed to end his contract, which could open the door for Vivell to link up with Bayern chief Max Eberl.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund previously worked with Vivell during their spell at Salzburg, and the United chief is reportedly being considered to replace Schmadtke, according to BILD via Sport Witness, despite United's patchy transfer record recently.

United are planning to keep Carrick in the job until at least the November international break, although discussions regarding contingency plans and potential replacements have already taken place at boardroom level.

Vivell is reported to have championed Nagelsmann's qualities and pushed for him to be the top target, while director of football Jason Wilcox is said to favour Howe for the position.

Either way, should Vivell depart, it would likely influence how Nagelsmann views the prospect of taking the job, given that the United chief remains his most vocal supporter at the club.

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As a result, Vivell leaving United could make it more likely that the club turns to Howe or another manager in the event that Carrick leaves Old Trafford.

Carrick finds himself under mounting pressure at United, with the club sitting outside the Premier League relegation zone only on goal difference. Their Champions League form has also taken a hit following defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como, with AS Roma threatening to heap further disappointment on the United boss when the two sides meet on Tuesday.

The man currently occupying the hot seat at the Theatre of Dreams is facing intense scrutiny and was linked with a departure following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last Sunday. However, he kept his position for Saturday's trip to Stamford Bridge, which ultimately ended in a 2-0 defeat.

Sky Germany has reported that 39-year-old Nagelsmann features on the shortlist to succeed Carrick and could be heading to the Premier League, after links to Turkish and Italian clubs were dismissed.

German football expert Marcel Reif predicted that Nagelsmann is eager to take on the role.

Speaking to BILD via Sport Witness, he said: "If he doesn't have the nerve to do it, I won't know what to make of the world anymore. I'd be really surprised if he were suddenly to shy away from the limelight.

"You can't start from scratch there, you have to start from below zero. I think it'll be Nagelsmann. He's got a good reputation, and he's ready.

"Carrick isn't a manager there anymore, but a caretaker until negotiations with the man who's set to take over are concluded. They just can't seem to sort it out.

"Their ambitions aren't just to catch a glimpse of Brighton and Hove Albion through binoculars. United used to be a predictable force. But they've got everything wrong since Sir Alex Ferguson. Just look at all the managers who've been there: Van Gaal, Mourinho – they've all been there. But since Ferguson, nobody's managed to get it right."

Antonio Conte, Unai Emery and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler have also been linked with the job.