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

Carrick was defiant after the 3-0 humbling, insisting he was not expecting to be removed from his post. “I totally understand the situation,” Carrick said of his job prospects. “I’m not expecting anything in ­particular, to be honest. Carrying on as normal and I love this place.”

But the United executive are actively ­considering his dismissal, the ­Guardian understands, with the expectation at the club being that Carrick will be sacked.

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 that…