Manchester United have won just two games this season – 5-2 against Ipswich Town and 4-0 against Sabah FK – with Michael Carrick looking increasingly likely to lose his job. 

The 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford felt like a goodbye for Carrick, who spent an extended period applauding the fans before walking down the tunnel. The players followed him, but received a completely different reception as they were booed and jeered off the pitch. 

On Monday, the players and Carrick were handed a day off, with the head coach appearing later in the day to watch the Under-21s in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Hull City. 

The former midfielder also arrived on Tuesday morning and is taking training, despite lots of speculation about his future at Old Trafford. 

The Guardian have reported that Michael Carrick will be forced to wait until Manchester United finalise a deal for his successor. 

This could see Carrick take charge of the Chelsea game next weekend, despite a run of nine games without a win. 

Eddie Howe, who is said to be Jason Wilcox's favoured option to replace Carrick, has been out of work since he left Newcastle United after a five-year stint. 

Interestingly, he was also recommended by former director of football Dan Ashworth, who was sacked just months after arriving at Old Trafford, despite Manchester United paying a substantial compensation fee for him. 

Howe will be another United will have to pay for, with The Guardian reporting that he would cost £3 million, with additional compensation needed for his coaching team. 

Manchester United fans do not appear overly pleased with the prospect of appointing Eddie Howe after his difficult exit from St James' Park. 

Howe does not bring the star name that United fans have become accustomed to since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, given that he has managed Bournemouth in League Two, League One, and the Championship before guiding them to Premier League stability. 

A notable element of Howe's tactics is intensity and quick play, which are always fan favourites at Old Trafford, but that may take time to establish, given Manchester United's fitness struggles this season. 

According to The Guardian, Manchester United are third-bottom in the Premier League for distance covered per 90 minutes, while the majority of the Red Devils players are averaging fewer sprints per match than last season, as per Gradient Sports.