Michael Carrick is heading towards the Manchester United exit but, as of Monday morning, he remains as head coach.

United were deservedly beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday and have not won any of their last eight fixtures across all competitions in what is a woeful run of form.

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As talkSPORT reported later in the evening, dressing room insiders expect Carrick to be sacked, with the two-year deal he signed in the summer believed to have a break clause included.

It's not clear as to when any announcement can be expected by the club, although some may have expected the news late on Sunday.

However, there is clear reason as to why United could not announce a decision on Carrick shortly after their latest defeat.

Why have United not sacked Carrick?

United cannot break the news of a sacking until they have informed the New York Stock Exchange, which is shut at weekends.

When Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January, the club made their decision on a Sunday night after his explosive press conference.

However, due to the Stock Exchange's opening times, they did not officially announce it until the following day.

There is an early pre-market session that opens at 10:30am UK time, where orders are entered and queued ahead of opening.

Core trading then takes place from 1:30pm UK time until 8pm.

United crumble at Old Trafford

Before a ball had even been kicked against Bournemouth, United's team became a talking point as club captain Bruno Fernandes was dropped by Carrick.

The decision came days after his post-Como defeat rant on tactics, and the head coach said it was for 'pure football' reasons.

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Fernandes remained an unused substitute during the match, with Jamie Carragher suggesting Carrick wanted to embarrass him.

On the pitch, some poor marking from a free kick allowed Rayan to fire in at the back post and put Bournemouth ahead on 38 minutes.

Marcus Tavernier doubled their lead moments later after a slip from Leny Yoro.

With less than 20 minutes to go, Senne Lammens rushed out of his area and missed the ball, with Evanilson curling into an open net.

United fans cheered and applauded Carrick, a club legend who made 464 appearances as a player, when he walked down the tunnel.

They then aimed boos and jeers at the players who followed behind him, as the club find themselves 16th in the Premier League.

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Former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is the preferred option to replace Carrick for technical director Jason Wilcox.

Ex-Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has also been sounded out for the job.