Aston Villa clash could decide Carrick’s Manchester United future

Manchester United’s match against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on November 8 could shape Michael Carrick’s future as manager. A heavy loss may lead the club to dismiss him, while another view is that he has been given until the international break to change the team’s fortunes before executives reassess his position.

United beat Roma in their previous match, ending a run of 10 games without a win. It was only their third victory across all competitions this season. Carrick is therefore under pressure to produce a result against Villa, with a convincing defeat likely to intensify scrutiny before the break.

Eddie Howe is understood to be United’s preferred option should the club decide to replace Carrick. Villa manager Unai Emery had been viewed as an ideal target, but he is expected to sign a new contract with Villa.

A separate assessment of the situation holds that United’s leadership has already committed to keeping Carrick in place through the international break, giving him an opportunity to turn things around. That view also says there has been no progress in identifying possible replacements, suggesting Carrick may retain the job for now.

The two assessments differ on how close Carrick is to being dismissed. The Villa result is expected to be significant, with the international break providing a potential point for United’s hierarchy to review the situation.