Howe and Nagelsmann high on Man Utd's list if Carrick sacked

Manchester United's Michael Carrick has been under pressure after a poor run of results, and the club is now considering potential replacements. The team's head coach has been in charge since 2021, but his tenure has been marked by inconsistent performances.

BBC Sport has identified several candidates who could take over as head coach if Carrick were to be sacked. The list includes Erik ten Hag's former assistant, Mike Phelan, and former Manchester United player, Ryan Giggs.

Mike Phelan, who worked alongside Erik ten Hag at Ajax, has been a key figure in the club's scouting network. He has experience in developing young players and has been instrumental in identifying talent.

Phelan's appointment would be seen as a safe choice, given his connections to the club. Ryan Giggs, a former Manchester United player, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate.

Giggs has experience in managing Welsh national teams and has been involved in various coaching roles. However, his appointment would be seen as a surprise, given his lack of experience in top-level coaching.

Another candidate who has been mentioned is Ralf Rangnick's former assistant, Andreas Kreuzer. Kreuzner has experience in managing lower-league teams and has been involved in various coaching roles.

His appointment would be seen as a long shot, given his limited experience in top-level coaching. The club is also considering other candidates, including former Manchester United player, David Beckham's former assistant, Steve McClaren.

McClaren has experience in managing various teams, including Newcastle United and Derby County. The decision on who will replace Carrick will be made by the club's board of directors.

The board will consider the candidates' qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.