Michael Carrick faces Manchester United exit after Bournemouth defeat

Michael Carrick is reportedly close to leaving Manchester United, with the club expected to accelerate plans to dismiss the manager following a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth in the Premier League.

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United’s hierarchy had already been considering alternatives before Saturday’s loss at Old Trafford, with the club enduring its worst-ever start to a Premier League season.

The defeat is expected to speed up the process of deciding Carrick’s future. The final decision will depend on director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, who will make a recommendation to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Former Bournemouth and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann are reported to be among the leading candidates to succeed Carrick.

Manchester United have now gone eight matches without a victory in all competitions. Their seven points from the opening eight Premier League matches is their lowest total at this stage since the 1986-87 season, when they had four points.

The result left Manchester United 13th in the Premier League table on seven points.

Carrick said after the Bournemouth defeat that his comments to the supporters were not intended as a farewell.

“It was not a farewell from my side. My feelings are mixed because I understand what the players are going through. They are experiencing a difficult period,” he said.

“There are things we can help them with, while other matters develop according to the circumstances. The players are suffering at the moment.”

He added: “I genuinely do not know what things will look like or what will happen next. I will always continue to do my best for the club, and that will not change now.

“I love my job and I understand the responsibility involved. We have to wait and see what happens.”

Carrick took charge of Manchester United on a temporary basis after Ruben Amorim was dismissed. Across 17 matches, he led the team to 12 wins, three draws and two defeats, while also guiding the club to qualification for the Champions League.

Those results under his management last season earned the English coach a permanent contract.

However, Manchester United have struggled during the current campaign. In 12 matches since the season began, the team have managed only two victories from 13 matches, alongside four draws and seven defeats.

Their winless run of eight matches in all competitions includes five losses and three draws. Their last victory came against Azerbaijani side Sabah, whom they beat 4-0 in the group stage.