If Michael Carrick is sacked, who will become the new Manchester United manager?

Speculation is rife that Manchester United will part ways with Michael Carrick following the Premier League defeat to Bournemouth. United lost 3-0 on Sunday, only days after they were thrashed 4-1 by Italy's Como in the Champions League.

Reports have claimed that the club higher-ups started looking for Carrick's successor soon after the Como humiliation, and the defeat to the Cherries was the final nail. Director of Football Jason Wilcox and Chief Executive Omar Berrada, who will make a recommendation to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are most likely to ask the former player to step down.

But who will replace Michael Carrick if Manchester United decide to let him go? According to the British media, four names are being considered by the board, and all of them are familiar names.

That Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe are the frontrunners to land the job stems from the fact that they are both unemployed—meaning there are no buyout clauses to navigate. They can start immediately if needed, unlike other managers who are currently employed by rival clubs.

Eddie Howe, who last worked with Newcastle United before he resigned in July, was recommended by United's former sporting director Dan Ashworth, Sky Sports said in a report. Wilcox also wants the experienced Premier League manager to take over, the report said.

Nagelsmann and United's head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, worked together at RB Leipzig, the report said. The young German manager last worked with his national team before Jürgen Klopp took over.

Unai Emery and Antonio Conte are the other two names linked to the Premier League team. Emery is currently in charge of Aston Villa and is highly unlikely to make the switch. His project has taken Villa to Europe, and a top-four finish once again looks possible. The chaotic atmosphere at Old Trafford could make things more problematic, as the Spaniard would be asked to leave his comfort zone for a potential suicide mission.

Conte won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2017 and last worked with Napoli in Serie A. Earlier this week, the 57-year-old categorically denied having held talks with Manchester United. However, the BBC reported that Conte was interested in the job. "Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties' needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager," the BBC quoted Conte as saying.