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

• Job in balance after 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth

• Howe is director of football Jason Wilcox’s top candidate

Manchester United’s hierarchy are in crisis talks over whether or not to sack Michael Carrick as manager after he oversaw another torrid defeat, to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, that appeared to leave his job in the balance.

Carrick was defiant after the 3-0 humbling, insisting he was not expecting to be removed from his post, but the United executive were actively considering doing so, the Guardian understands. Eddie Howe remains the preferred candidate of Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, should there be a change in the dugout, with the former Newcastle manager’s extensive Premier League experience placing him ahead of other potential targets. Howe would be less expensive to bring in than Unai Emery, another admired candidate, given Aston Villa would demand about £20m in compensation for the Spaniard.

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