The Manchester United managerial situation remains on a knife's edge going into the weekend's round of fixtures

A new Manchester United managerial candidate has emerged amid suggestions that club bosses have gone cold on Eddie Howe. Despite the magnificent fightback against Roma in the Champions League, Michael Carrick remains in a vulnerable position following a dismal start to the campaign.

He had been widely expected to lose his job after the 3-0 home humiliation against Bournemouth before being granted more time following crucial discussions between United executives. Victory against Aston Villa on Sunday ought to earn him further breathing space, but defeat could edge him nearer to the sack.

A host of prominent figures have been linked with the vacancy, including Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann. Howe is available following his summer exit from Newcastle.

However, according to the Independent, United are 'much less sold' on the former Bournemouth boss than widely assumed. The same report indicates Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness is held in high regard.

Hoeness's reputation has soared after guiding Stuttgart to Champions League qualification and Germany Cup success since taking over a side facing relegation in 2023. Appointing the 44-year-old would echo the recruitment of Ruben Amorim, who was on a similar upward trajectory with Sporting CP before his unsuccessful stint at Old Trafford.

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United are reportedly keen to break their pattern of temporary appointments should they opt to remove Carrick. Interim managers have become an all-too-familiar solution at Old Trafford in recent years.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer initially arrived on a caretaker basis before securing the role permanently, whilst Ralf Rangnick was recruited to finish the season after the Norwegian's sacking in November 2021.

Carrick himself served as caretaker during the latter half of last term. According to Sky Sports, director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada would favour appointing a permanent replacement rather than another temporary measure should they opt to dismiss Carrick.

The current boss, however, retains their support as things stand. Carrick is encouraging the squad to capitalise on the confidence-boosting victory over Roma ahead of their meeting with Villa.

He said: "It was a fantastic night as a one-off night. It was a good night for us all, but nothing has been achieved yet. It's one moment we need to use to move forward.

"When you watch the game [against Roma] back, the first half wasn't so bad. There were moments when we left ourselves short, and we need to fix them.

"The first half against Chelsea was very good. We're showing signs of improvement, no doubt, and we need to take that forward."