Manchester United have decided to retain Michael Carrick for the upcoming game against Chelsea at the very least, while a preferred order of possible replacements has been established if they make a managerial change. Sunday's 3–0 defeat to Bournemouth appeared the end of the road for Carrick.
Carrick stays for the Chelsea game
Manchester United have decided to keep Carrick in place for the Chelsea match at the very least.
Romano details talks with agents
Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Fabrizio Romano said: "also, because it’s the reality, they also had some conversations with agents, camps, representatives of other managers, because Manchester United had some conversation and that’s absolutely normal."
Romano also said: "I’m not accusing Man Utd of anything wrong. It’s normal when things are not going well you start preparing for a potential change. So Man Utd had conversations with agents of managers."
Three free-manager names in order
Romano said: "I told you that the three names we should take in consideration as free managers are in this order—Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte."
He added: "Three managers very different one from the other and also in terms of approach."
Eddie Howe is reportedly Manchester United's preferred candidate to take over for Carrick, with Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte also possible successors.
No final choice yet
Romano said: "United are yet to say ‘Okay, let’s go for this coach.’ So the moment is still open but these are three names and obviously to talk with representatives, intermediaries or anyone close to these coaches is absolutely something normal in this situation, in this position for Manchester United."
He also said: "Then obviously there could be other managers who can be very attractive but very difficult to get."
Howe has been out of work since departing Newcastle at the end of July.