Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann emerged as the two leading candidates to take over from Carrick, after a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday appeared to spell the end of his time in charge.

But after sounding out possible avenues for another new manager, after Carrick was only given the job permanently last summer, United are standing by the man currently in the dugout.

A source told The Sun, referring to possible replacements: "The best ones won't come."

Howe guided Newcastle to a Carabao Cup win and two separate Champions League qualifications, but appeared burned out before departing at the end of last season, and is yet to take up another role in management.

Meanwhile, Nagelsmann garnered acclaim in Germany before being appointed Bayern Munich manager and then head coach of the national team, but failed to live up to his reputation in either role.

After the 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Bournemouth, Carrick insisted he wasn't bidding farewell to the Old Trafford crowd as they chanted his name while he left the pitch.

"It wasn't a farewell from me," Carrick said on Sky Sports. "I've mixed emotions, I'm feeling it for my players, they're going through a tough spell. Some of it we can help, some of it the situation unravels and the boys are feeling it at the moment.

"Mixed emotions for the supporters to respond in that way. To have that connection with the supporters it's mixed emotions, it'll take a bit of time to digest but I certainly appreciate their support.

"The situation is where we are and we haven't had results or performances that have been good enough."

Chronicle Live reported that United would still have been forced to pay Newcastle a sizable compensation fee, thought to be between £3million and £6million if Howe was hired, even though he left the club in July.

Premier League managers Fabian Hurzeler and Unai Emery also were on United's shortlist, but neither were prepared to leave their current clubs, especially in the middle of the season.

After heading to Stamford Bridge this weekend, United have two home games against Italian club Roma and Aston Villa, before a mouthwatering trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool.