Manchester United have learned what it will take to appoint Eddie Howe as their new manager, should they sack Michael Carrick.

The current United head coach was thought to be on the brink of the sack after a run of eight games without a victory.

The most recent of those matches came in the 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford, where supporters booed the players and directed their anger at the club’s hierarchy, before applauding and singing their under-fire manager’s name as he walked off, seemingly waving goodbye.

Carrick survived the chop, however, and was retained in-post for the trip to Chelsea this weekend, but pressure remains on the former midfielder’s back.

Three big managerial names have been linked with the Old Trafford hotseat should Carrick be relieved of his duties, with Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte all considered by the Red Devils.

Under pressure: Michael Carrick

PA

Howe and Conte boast Premier League experience - the latter a league title - while Nagelsmann has overseen Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and the German national side in an impressive CV for such a young coach.

All three are currently out of work and available, but Howe comes with complications following his departure from Newcastle United in the summer.

BBC Sport reports that the Magpies would still be entitled to compensation should the Englishman take a new job within a certain amount of a time, as a result of a clause in his contract at St James’ Park.

That said, another clause is believed to halve that compensation figure after a set period.

The initial fee that clubs would need to pay Newcastle to appoint Howe was reportedly £6million, but that is now £3m.

That could come as a huge boost to United, if they decide that the former Bournemouth and Burnley head coach is their preferred candidate.