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.

Julian Nagelsmann, the former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach, is highly regarded by Christopher Vivell, United’s head of recruitment, but Wilcox’s view may hold more sway with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls football policy at United. Antonio Conte is another who may be in the frame.

Carrick left Bruno Fernandes out of his starting lineup against Bournemouth, insisting before kick-off that he did so for football reasons and not because of the captain’s comments regarding his tactics following the midweek Champions League loss to Como. He subsequently saw his side suffer a sixth defeat in 12 games in all competitions as Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson scored for Marco Rose’s side. United have won only once in the league this season and sit in 16th. Their last victory was on 10 September against Sabah in the Champions League.

“I totally understand the situation [regarding his job],” Carrick said. “I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. [I’m] carrying on as normal, and I love this place. I’ll always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything really. So that’s kind of it. I’m not expecting anything either way.

“It’s a tough situation, there’s no hiding from it. What it looks like and what’s next I really don’t know. I will always do my best for the football club and I won’t change that now. I love what I do and I feel the responsibility – we’ll have to wait and see.”

Carrick made a point of applauding the home supporters at the end, pumping his hand to his chest as he walked past a supportive Stretford End. As soon as he disappeared down the tunnel, boos met Fernandes, who was following in the manager’s footsteps, alongside other United players.

“It wasn’t a farewell from me,” Carrick said. “I’m feeling it for my players, they’re going through a tough spell. Some of it we can help, some of it the situation unravels and the boys are feeling it at the moment. Mixed emotions for the supporters to respond in that way. To have that connection with the supporters it’s mixed emotions, it’ll take a bit of time to digest but I certainly appreciate their support. The situation is where we are and we haven’t had results or performances that have been good enough.”

Speaking after the final whistle about his decision to leave out Fernandes, who was an unused substitute on Sunday, Carrick said: “There’s always times when you’re trying to make decisions that are to change the course of play and made a difference, but those are the decisions we made today.”

Harry Maguire, United’s captain in Fernandes’ absence, insisted the squad were “fully behind” Carrick. He said: “Coming into the team last season he turned things around and got Champions League football this season. As individuals, we’re not playing well enough. We have to look at ourselves and find something within ourselves to bring more to the team. That’s every player that I’m talking about. When things aren’t going your way you have to do the basics well.”