Manchester United have identified Eddie Howe as their leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick.

The i Paper has been told that United executives were locked in discussions on Sunday night over whether to sack Carrick after the club’s worst Premier League start in 40 years.

Some in the hierarchy sympathise with Carrick, with several key figures feeling the rookie coach was not backed enough in the summer transfer window, and that sacking yet another manager would not solve United’s problems.

As of Sunday night, however, it remains most likely that Carrick will be sacked, with several other targets identified to become the club’s eighth permanent manager in the last 13 years.

Howe is the preferred pick of director of football Jason Wilcox, who believes a coach with Premier League experience is a “must” to get United back heading in the right direction, sources said.

The i Paper has also been told Howe is interested in taking the job despite initially looking to take a break from the game following his exit from Newcastle a few months ago.

While sorting out the mess United have become is not quite as appealing a prospect as it once was, for Howe, it is seen as an opportunity an English coach cannot pass up.

Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has always preferred to have an English manager at the helm, believing that the biggest club in the country should be represented by the best homegrown managerial talent. He had made a big play for Gareth Southgate before Rubem Amorim was appointed two years ago.

Head of recruitment Christopher Vivell would prefer Julian Nagelsmann, having worked with the German coach at RB Leipzig. Nagelsmann is also understood to be interested in taking the job, but Wilcox would have to be persuaded.

Despite reports to the contrary, some sources have suggested Unai Emery would in fact consider leaving Aston Villa for United, should he be given the opportunity. The i Paper has been told several executives see Emery as their top pick, with Villa again impressing this term.

Emery would be the most expensive option of all the possible candidates and after all the outlay United have spent hiring and firing managers over the past few years, some feel the Spaniard would not be a risk worth taking.

Antonio Conte has made it abundantly clear in recent interviews he is itching to return to management and would welcome another shot at a Premier League club.

There are plenty of figures at United who would choose the fiery Italian, believing his combative nature is exactly what the ailing club needs right now.

However, senior figures have doubts that the former Chelsea boss would be able to work cohesively in the current footballing structure in place.