Sir Jim Ratcliffe is understood to favour Eddie Howe as Manchester United's next manager, with Michael Carrick under pressure following eight games without a win

Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly favours Eddie Howe as the next Manchester United manager should Michael Carrick be dismissed. The former United midfielder is widely anticipated to lose his position following a winless streak spanning eight matches across all competitions.

He was already facing mounting pressure before Sunday's fixture against Bournemouth, which culminated in a humbling 3-0 loss. Reports suggest United officials are contemplating whether to relieve Carrick of his duties before the Reds' upcoming Premier League encounter with Chelsea.

Several potential successors have already been linked with the Old Trafford club, with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann amongst the early frontrunners.

Howe is said to be the preferred choice of United director of football Jason Wilcox, who allegedly appreciates his track record of managing in the Premier League with Bournemouth and Newcastle.

Make sure you never miss the latest Manchester United news and opinion by making Manchester Evening News one of your Google preferred sources.

Meanwhile, head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is understood to lean towards appointing Nagelsmann, who has remained unattached since departing the Germany role during the summer.

Ratcliffe, however, will ultimately make the decision and has consistently expressed a preference for installing an English manager in charge.

According to The Sun, the INEOS billionaire maintains his belief that United should ideally be led by a homegrown head coach.

The suggestion is that Ratcliffe may be inclined to pursue Howe, who is understood to be eager to take the reins at Old Trafford should the chance present itself.

The former Newcastle chief had initially intended to take a sabbatical from the game following his departure from St James' Park over the summer, but would reportedly be willing to cut that break short in order to join United.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Furthermore, his current status as a free agent means United would not be required to part with any compensation fee to secure his services.

The report also claims that Howe has been studying United matches and taking notes in anticipation of a potential appointment at Old Trafford.

His immediate priority upon taking charge would be to restore winning form to the club, having overseen just a single Premier League triumph so far this campaign.