Michael Carrick will remain in charge of Manchester United for Saturday's trip to Chelsea, with the club's hierarchy giving him the chance to turn around a dismal start to the season, according to sources who spoke to BBC Sport.
The 45-year-old took training on Tuesday morning as United try to end a run of eight games without a win in all competitions. Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth put his future in doubt and left United one place above the relegation zone. They have won only one of their eight Premier League games this season.
United's hierarchy are understood to have looked at replacing him. Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann were among those considered. Howe, 48, is available after leaving Newcastle last summer, though any club hiring him would have to pay the Magpies a multi-million pound compensation fee, because he resigned with three years left on his contract. Nagelsmann, 39, quit as Germany boss after their quarter-final exit at the 2026 World Cup and is aware of United's interest. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is also admired at the club, but his existing contract would complicate any approach.
Carrick took interim charge in January after Ruben Amorim left, and was handed the job permanently in May after guiding United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. Form has fallen away badly since. Lisandro Martinez criticised the board over a lack of investment after the 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid earlier this month. Captain Bruno Fernandes then criticised Carrick's tactics after a 4-1 loss at Como, was dropped to the bench for the Bournemouth game and did not come on.
After Sunday's defeat, supporters chanted Carrick's name as he walked to the tunnel but booed the players once he had gone. Carrick acknowledged the Stretford End, but told Sky Sports it was not a farewell. He said he had mixed emotions, felt for his players during a tough spell and appreciated the connection with the fans. He accepted that results and performances had not been good enough.
Carrick was at the training ground on Monday even though the first team had the day off. Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada were also pictured arriving there.
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