Michael Carrick has entered sacking territory after Manchester United's 4-1 loss to Cesc Fabregas' Como in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

Just over five months after earning the permanent coaching job at Old Trafford once he guided United back to Europe's elite club competitions, Carrick could be set to lose his job. A run of seven games without a win in all competitions has INEOS exploring potential replacements ahead of Saturday's clash with Bournemouth.

Carrick ignored his United players following the final whistle at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, instead heading over to the visiting fans and offering his apologies. His captain, Bruno Fernandes, rounded on him in his post-match interview, appearing to question his tactics for the game in Italy.

Man Utd Sound Out Michael Carrick Replacements

If United are unable to beat Bournemouth at home, that could be the end of the line for Carrick and talkSPORT reports that there are five candidates INEOS are considering turning to. One of those is Julian Nagelsmann, who had been high on their list before they offered the permanent gig to Carrick.

Nagelsmann has been out of management since the summer after he was sacked by Germany following the World Cup. The former Bayern Munich boss has emerged as a candidate should the club opt to make a change and he has admirers within the hierarchy.

United's head of recruitment Christopher Vivell worked with Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig and the 39-year-old also coached Benjamin Sesko at Red Bull Arena. Earlier this year, INEOS decided to go with Carrick instead of the German coach because he'd still been in charge of his country's national team at the time.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Fabian Hurzeler is also admired amid the Seagulls' incredible start to the season. He has propelled the south coast outfit to third place in the Premier League after seven games and oversaw a 3-2 comeback win over United in the Carabao Cup in September.

It appears that the easiest option is Antonio Conte, whom the outlet report is ready to replace Carrick. The Italian's representatives are believed to have informed the club that he's keen on the job but United are yet to approach the former Chelsea manager.

Like Conte, Eddie Howe is currently unemployed and is another contender who has Premier League experience. The English tactician left Newcastle United in the summer but may be eager for a return to English football management with the Red Devils.

Former sporting director Dan Ashworth had been pushing for Howe at the start of INEOS' co-ownership but Jim Ratcliffe wasn't convinced. Mauricio Pochettino and Kieran McKenna are described as 'outside contenders' as both previously landed on managerial shortlists in past years.

Simone Inzaghi is said to be interested in a move to the Premier League and finds himself under pressure at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. The former Inter Milan boss could be sacked if his side fails to beat Al-Qadsiah on Friday but there's no indication United are looking at him as a Carrick replacement.

Carrick Not Solely to Blame

The consensus among United fans is that Carrick's shouldn't be the only head that rolls if he is unable to turn things around. Sporting director Jason Wilcox has come under immense scrutiny following a disappointing summer transfer window.

Only three first-team signings were made as INEOS continued a phased rebuild rather than addressing the squad as a whole. The club focused on a midfield overhaul, bringing Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos to Old Trafford.

That's despite clear issues in defence, with Luke Shaw the only viable left-back option and he's started the season with injury problems. Despite question marks over Wilcox's recruitment, BBC Sport's Simone Stone suggests he and Carrick are seen as only a part of the issue.

Stone wrote when reacting to United's defeat to Como: "Both Carrick and sporting director Jason Wilcox have been absolved of partial blame for the club's plight by some; Carrick because he was let down badly in the summer transfer window, when the club signed three midfielders, but failed to bring in competition for Luke Shaw at left-back and Benjamin Sesko in attack. Wilcox too, because he had to work to a budget set by those above him, including chief executive Omar Berrada."

Carrick exceeded expectations after replacing Ruben Amorim as caretaker coach in January, guiding United to a third-placed finish. In 16 games during that interim stint, he oversaw 11 wins, just two defeats and the football played earned praise, particularly a 2-0 win over Manchester City.

In his 12 games since taking over permanently, the Red Devils have won just three and lost five, including last night's woeful outing in Como. He called it "tough to watch" and for INEOS it seems they are now preparing for their third managerial dismissal in as many years.