Rather, club executives are believed to have informally determined to afford Carrick until the November international window before deciding whether a managerial switch is required. According to The Guardian, Howe would be open to considering the Old Trafford position, though any prospective appointment would hinge on discussions.

United would also be required to pay Newcastle approximately £3million in compensation to acquire his services. But he is not the only boss to be sounded out. United's director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, is believed to be a keen admirer of Julian Nagelsmann, who has previously been in charge of Germany and Bayern Munich. The report suggests Vivell has already reached out to his fellow German to assess his appetite for the position, with the duo having previously collaborated at RB Leipzig.

Nevertheless, there remains conviction among certain senior figures at United that Carrick possesses the capability to reverse the club's fortunes. The 45-year-old also maintained the backing of the away supporters following Saturday's loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

United sit above the relegation zone solely on goal difference after a dreadful beginning to the campaign that has already jeopardised their ambitions. The Reds have not slipped into the bottom three past August since November 1986, when Ron Atkinson was sacked and succeeded by Sir Alex Ferguson, who subsequently presided over the most triumphant period in the club's history.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, with Roma travelling to Old Trafford on Tuesday, November 3 (8pm kick-off), before a fixture against Aston Villa five days afterwards in the last match ahead of the international break.