File photo dated 08/11/26 of Michael Carrick. Michael Carrick remains confident in his ability to oversee Manchester United’s resurgence after a “right mixed” three weeks left his team in the relegation zone and the head coach’s future under scrutiny. Issue date: Monday November 9, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/Press Association.
By Our Correspondent
Manchester United are considering the possibility of dismissing head coach Michael Carrick following a disappointing run of results, although the club is yet to make a final decision on his future.
The club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is reportedly leading an internal assessment of Carrick’s performance after giving the manager three crucial matches against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa to improve the team’s fortunes.
Wilcox is understood to have held consultations with United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, with a final recommendation expected to be submitted to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees the club’s sporting operations.
Should United decide to part ways with Carrick, former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate for the position. The current United States national team coach is reportedly open to the prospect of taking charge at Old Trafford.
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is another name being considered, with reports suggesting that he could be willing to return to management if approached by the club.
Pressure on Carrick has intensified amid United’s poor performances, with the team struggling in the Premier League and managing just three victories in their last 15 matches across all competitions.
His position reportedly came under serious threat following United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on October 25. However, after discussions between Wilcox and Berrada at the club’s training ground the following day, Carrick was given three additional matches to demonstrate his ability to turn things around.
The outcome of those fixtures a defeat, a victory and a draw has reportedly increased concerns among senior officials over his suitability to continue in the role.
United lost 2-0 to Chelsea, recovered from a two-goal deficit to beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford, before playing out a thrilling 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The three encounters exposed the team’s persistent inconsistency, particularly in defence.
Against Chelsea, United started brightly but failed to capitalise on their opportunities before conceding twice in the second half. Their chances of recovering were further weakened when Lisandro Martínez was sent off, while Chelsea’s second goal came from the penalty spot.
United showed greater resilience against Roma, overturning a 2-0 half-time deficit to secure an impressive 3-2 comeback victory. However, the defensive problems that have plagued the team resurfaced in their subsequent encounter with Aston Villa.
United conceded twice within the opening four minutes and later found themselves trailing 4-2 in stoppage time. Late goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu rescued a point for Carrick’s side.
The slow defensive starts have become a recurring concern for the coaching staff. Despite Carrick’s appeal for his players to build on their victory over Roma, United again struggled to establish control early in the game against Villa.
Similar weaknesses were evident in previous defeats to Como and Atlético Madrid. Nico Paz scored within two minutes during United’s 4-1 loss to Como, while Pablo Barrios found the net after just one minute in their 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid.
With the team’s performances remaining inconsistent despite occasional flashes of improvement, Carrick’s future at Old Trafford is increasingly uncertain.
Although Manchester United have yet to announce a decision, the club’s ongoing technical review could determine whether Carrick retains his position or becomes the latest manager to leave the club as its hierarchy seeks to restore stability and competitiveness.
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