Michael Carrick future LIVE: Man United boss on the brink as two managers shortlisted

Carrick faces the sack after Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea; Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are the leading candidates to replace him.

Manchester United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with Lisandro Martinez sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession. The loss piles pressure on manager Michael Carrick, who is now widely expected to be sacked. United have won none of their last nine games across all competitions.

Club hierarchy including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Glazer Family, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox held a lengthy conference call on Monday to discuss Carrick's future. Two managers have emerged as leading contenders: Eddie Howe, who left Newcastle United and would require around £3 million in compensation, and Julian Nagelsmann, who recently stepped down as Germany head coach. Head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is understood to favour Nagelsmann, with whom he worked at RB Leipzig, while director of football Jason Wilcox reportedly prefers Howe for his Premier League experience.