Michael Carrick's time as Manchester United manager appears to be drawing to a close after just 153 days in permanent charge, with the club casting around for a successor following a turbulent start to the season.

United have won only two matches across all competitions — a Champions League group-stage victory over Sabah and a Premier League win against Ipswich Town — and the atmosphere at Old Trafford deteriorated further when captain Bruno Fernandes publicly criticised Carrick after a 4-1 defeat to Como on Wednesday.

Eddie Howe leads the betting

Eddie Howe is currently listed as the leading candidate, having departed Newcastle United in the summer following almost five full seasons at St James' Park. During his tenure, Howe guided the Magpies to their first major silverware in 70 years and led them into the Champions League on two occasions.

Former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann sits close behind at around 4/1, while Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler and former Premier League boss Antonio Conte are both priced at roughly 6/1.

Cesc Fabregas, the Como coach who oversaw Wednesday's thrashing of United, is listed at 11/1 — a notable inclusion given the circumstances of his side's win.

McKenna, Emery, and Tuchel in the frame

Kieran McKenna, who has a prior connection to Old Trafford, is rated at 14/1 alongside Aston Villa manager Unai Emery and England head coach Thomas Tuchel. Former England manager Gareth Southgate follows at 16/1, with Mauricio Pochettino, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Carlo Ancelotti all grouped together at 25/1.

Among former United players, Darren Fletcher — Carrick's immediate predecessor as caretaker — is listed at 33/1, with Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney both available at 100/1 alongside ex-United boss Erik ten Hag.

Deeper problems loom

United's immediate schedule offers little breathing room. The club face Bournemouth and Chelsea in their next two Premier League fixtures, with a Champions League home tie against Roma also on the horizon in early November. Whether Carrick survives long enough to oversee all three remains far from certain.

The club's difficulties stretch well beyond the dugout, and the process of identifying a new manager is as likely to reflect the turmoil within Old Trafford as it is to resolve it.