Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick should Manchester United opt to dispense with their under-fire head coach.

Carrick appears to be on the brink of dismissal after United were subject to a galling 4-1 Champions League defeat away at Como on Wednesday night, leaving them winless in their last seven matches across all competitions.

He seems to have lost the dressing room, too, with Bruno Fernandes publicly questioning his tactics at full-time in Como, barely a week after Lisandro Martinez’s remarkable outburst in Madrid.

While some at United are still said to be backing United, reports have emerged suggesting they are lining up candidates to replace Carrick in the event he is relieved of his duties.

The Telegraph reported on Thursday morning the former Germany and Bayern Munich boss Nagelsmann is open to replacing Carrick, while TalkSport say he has already been sounded out about the role.

Nagelsmann has been out of work since the summer, when he stepped down as head coach of the German national team, having been dumped out of the World Cup last 32 by Paraguay.

Shortlist: Julian Nagelsmann (C) is Man Utd’s top choice to replace Carrick but Antonio Conte, Unai Emery, Eddie Howe and Fabian Hurzeler are also under consideration

Getty / London Standard

Plenty of candidates are queueing up for the job, with the managerial market in rude health. Antonio Conte, a Premier League winner with Chelsea most recently employed by Napoli, has reportedly been offered to United, but the Telegraph say he does not figure on the club’s shortlist.

United are known to be keen on Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler, but the club acknowledge he would likely prove an expensive appointment given he agreed a new long-term contract last season.

Eddie Howe is out of work, however, and is reportedly the subject of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s admiration. It remains to be seen, though, how much sway he will have over the decision-making process. Howe also said upon leaving Newcastle this summer that he would like to spend some time away from the game.

Aston Villa’s Unai Emery has also been tipped by The i Paper as a ‘dream candidate’ after helping Aston Villa to Europa League glory last season, though it is thought he would be tricky to pry away from Birmingham.

Como’s Cesc Fabregas had previously been mentioned as a left-field option, but the chances of him wanting to take over United after beating them 4-1 are profoundly slim.

United host Bournemouth in the league on Sunday, a match which could decide Carrick’s future if no call is made before then.