Manchester United Weigh Carrick’s Future During International Break

On November 9, Manchester United were still considering whether Michael Carrick should remain as head coach after a difficult start to the season. United have won three of their 15 games and have conceded 30 goals, the highest total among clubs in Europe’s top five leagues.

Carrick had been given three matches before the international break to strengthen his position. United lost 2-0 to Chelsea, beat Roma 3-2 after falling behind and drew 4-4 with Aston Villa. Those results followed a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth and a 4-1 defeat by Como.

Football director Jason Wilcox is overseeing the review with chief executive Omar Berrada and is expected to make a recommendation to Jim Ratcliffe. The club plans to use the break to assess the season and its alternatives. Eddie Howe is Wilcox’s preferred candidate to replace Carrick and is ready to take the job.

Three considerations are shaping the delay: supporters have not been calling for Carrick to be dismissed, the board believes he retains backing from the players, and club executives are not yet convinced that a change of coach would resolve the team’s problems. United’s next match after the break is against Liverpool.