Michael Carrick is facing the sack at Manchester United after overseeing just two victories in the club’s opening 12 competitive matches this season.

Sunday’s humiliating 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth extended United’s winless run to eight games, leaving the former midfielder under enormous pressure.

United’s hierarchy are now considering another managerial change, despite Carrick’s impressive interim spell and third-place finish last season.

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have emerged as leading candidates to replace him.

Director of football Jason Wilcox is reportedly an admirer of Howe, while recruitment chief Christopher Vivell has been linked with support for Nagelsmann.

Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has also emerged as a potential option, with reports suggesting his representatives have explored a move to Old Trafford.

The Italian would offer United a proven winner capable of demanding immediate improvements.

At Chelsea, Conte transformed a struggling side by introducing a 3-4-3 system following a damaging defeat against Arsenal.

His tactical overhaul inspired 13 consecutive Premier League victories and delivered the 2016/17 title with 93 points.

Conte also won the FA Cup the following season, demonstrating his ability to secure silverware under intense pressure.

However, no managerial appointment has been announced, and Carrick remains in charge.

United have nevertheless confirmed a new addition to their coaching structure, with a former Chelsea employee announcing his arrival.

Manchester United appoint former Chelsea coach

Ryan Elton has officially confirmed his appointment as Manchester United’s new Under-16 Individual Coach and Games Programme Technical Lead.

Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Elton wrote: “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as U16’s Individual Coach & Games Programme Technical Lead at Manchester United!”

Elton arrives from Norwich City, where he spent over nine years across two spells, most recently leading the academy’s Under-15 and Under-16 development programme.

His previous experience includes 18 months at Chelsea, working in international football development and coach education between 2018 and 2019.

He also spent more than three years coaching academy players at Cambridge United.

At Norwich, Elton helped organise overseas development experiences and competitive tournaments for young players.

His new position focuses on individual development and the Under-16 games programme, rather than United’s senior squad.

While Carrick’s future remains uncertain, Elton’s arrival strengthens the club’s academy coaching structure.