Carrick remains in charge as Howe linked to United job

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick remains in charge after Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, as reports link former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe with a possible succession. The club has not confirmed a change, and Carrick said he would carry on as normal while awaiting a decision. Carrick said his gestures to supporters after the match were not a farewell. He acknowledged the pressure surrounding his position and said he understood the situation, but was not expecting a decision either way. He also said he took responsibility for the team’s performance. The defeat left United under renewed scrutiny, with one report placing the club 16th in the Premier League table and another placing it 17th. Those accounts do not establish a single consistent table snapshot. Bookmakers suspended betting on whether Carrick would be dismissed, but that reflects the availability of a betting market and does not confirm a club decision. A report attributed to the Guardian says United director of football Jason Wilcox prefers Howe if the club changes managers. Another report says Howe would seriously consider an offer, while journalist Alan Nixon has been reported as saying Howe...