Manchester United board hold crisis talks over Carrick’s future and Howe approach

Manchester United's board are holding crisis talks over whether to sack head coach Michael Carrick after a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Guardian understands that Carrick's job is in the balance, with the expectation at the club being that he will be sacked. Carrick was defiant after the defeat, insisting he was not expecting to be removed from his post. He said: “I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. Carrying on as normal and I love this place.”

The United executive are actively considering Carrick's dismissal, with Eddie Howe remaining the preferred candidate of director of football Jason Wilcox should there be a change in the dugout. Howe's extensive Premier League experience places him ahead of other potential targets, including Unai Emery and Antonio Conte. Howe would be less expensive to bring in than Emery, given that Aston Villa would demand about £20m in compensation for the Spaniard.

Carrick's decision to leave Bruno Fernandes out of his starting lineup has been questioned, with the captain criticising his tactics after the midweek Champions League defeat at Como. Carrick insisted that he left Fernandes out for football reasons, not because of the captain's criticism. He said: “I’ll always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything really. So that’s kind of it. I’m not expecting anything either way.”

United endured a sixth defeat in 12 games in all competitions after the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth. They have won only once in the league this season and sit in 16th. The club cannot announce a sacking until they inform the New York Stock Exchange, which is closed at weekends.