Manchester United find themselves needing to turnaround their fortunes after a 4-1 defeat to Como

Julian Nagelsmann, Fabian Hurzeler, Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe and Kieran McKenna have been touted as candidates to become Manchester United. Increased scrutiny has been placed on Michael Carrick following their 4-1 defeat to Serie A minnows Como in the Champions League.

The Mail Online has highlighted a number of potential candidates that could be in line to replace Carrick in the Old Trafford hotseat. Hurzeler is the only manager named in a current position as the German look to guide Brighton & Hove Albion on a historic run in their high-flying Premier League campaign and in Europe.

The Telegraph have reported that the highly-rated manager has admirers at Old Trafford but he does not have a release clause in his contract. With Brighton already receiving eye-watering fees for their tacticians, it has been claimed that prising Hurzeler away could be a record-breaking fee.

Make sure you never miss the latest Manchester United news and opinion by making Manchester Evening News one of your Google preferred sources.

However, the likes of Nagelsmann, Conte, Howe and McKenna have been out of the dugout since leaving their respective jobs. Nagelsmann was most recently in charge of Germany but left his post after a disappointing World Cup with Die Mannschaft.

Howe has been frequently linked with a move to Old Trafford after impressive stints with Bournemouth and then Newcastle United but left the Magpies in the summer on the eve of the Premier League season.

McKenna had been considered as a contender during the uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag's position. United were said to be among the two clubs, along with Chelsea, to have met with the Northern Irishman during his successful period at Ipswich Town.

After stepping down as manager in June 2026, he was said to be eyeing an extended break, but he is already being linked with a return to United.

In the last week or so, reports have emerged that Conte is open to making the move to Old Trafford. Having been out of the game since his spell with Napoli in Serie A, the Italian's name was said to have been on the lips of intermediaries to put his name forward to replace Carrick.

In 2018, while Chelsea manager, a Man United kit with 'Conte 1' on the back was handed to the Italian by a prankster claiming it was a present from Jose Mourinho after a heated feud between the two.

But the Telegraph have reported that he is no under consideration as he does not fit the managerial structure at Old Trafford.

Still, Carrick's position is safe for now as he fights for his future in the Old Trafford hot seat. With just two wins in 11 matches, he will be in charge to face Bournemouth on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

According to The Times, club officials were left 'stunned' by the poor performance and feel that they should take a portion of the blame surrounding the downturn in form for Carrick's side.

The 45-year-old embarked on a phenomenal run during his stint in caretaker charge last season, which led to him being appointed as Ruben Amorim's permanent successor.