Old Trafford has witnessed plenty of difficult afternoons, but Sunday’s defeat to Bournemouth left supporters with little to celebrate beyond their backing for a club legend.

The home crowd continued singing Michael Carrick’s name even as frustration with the players grew louder.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, exposed the gulf between the two sides with a performance that left United chasing shadows for long periods.

The 3-0 scoreline followed an even more damaging European evening, when United were thrashed 4-1 by Como in the Champions League.

After helping United finish third last season and qualify for the Champions League, Michael Carrick has watched his side struggle to reproduce anything close to that form.

Manchester United set to hold crisis talks over Michael Carrick future

Manchester United’s hierarchy will now hold crisis talks on Monday to determine Carrick’s future, with director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada expected to discuss whether a change is necessary.

According to The Telegraph, no formal decision had been made by Sunday night, although Carrick’s position is under serious threat.

United has managed only 2 wins in 12 matches across all competitions.

In the Premier League, they have collected 7 points from 8 games, leaving them 16th and just one point above the relegation zone.

They are also without a league victory since beating Ipswich at the end of August.

Sky Sports says the club had already been considering alternatives before the Bournemouth result.

Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe are emerging as the leading contenders if United decide to dismiss Carrick.

Nagelsmann, the former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach, is understood to be open to an approach.

His connection with United’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, from their time working together at RB Leipzig could also be relevant.

Howe is another serious option.

The former Newcastle manager offers extensive Premier League experience and is reportedly willing to listen if United make contact, although he had previously indicated that he wanted a break from management.

Unai Emery and Antonio Conte have also been linked with the vacancy.

However, Emery’s position at Aston Villa could make a deal expensive, while Conte’s appointment would come with expectations around the club’s sporting structure.

Fabian Hurzeler has also been mentioned, although reports suggest he is not currently looking to leave Brighton.

Carrick’s predicament has become more complicated amid public criticism from senior players.

Bruno Fernandes was left on the bench against Bournemouth after questioning United’s tactics following the defeat to Como, while Lisandro Martinez had also raised concerns about the club’s recruitment strategy.

Carrick has accepted responsibility for the results but offered no assurances about his future after Sunday’s loss.

United’s hierarchy must now decide whether he can still turn the season around or whether another managerial change is needed to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.