Manchester United manager Michael, Carrick, will remain in charge of the club for their Premier League meeting with Chelsea on Saturday despite mounting pressure following a disappointing start to the season.
According to reports, the 45-year-old has been given an opportunity to reverse United’s fortunes after a poor run of results that has raised questions about his future at Old Trafford.
Carrick supervised training on Tuesday as the Red Devils prepared for their trip to Stamford Bridge, hoping to end an eight-match winless streak across all competitions.
Their latest setback was a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, leaving them just one place above the relegation zone.
United’s hierarchy have reportedly considered replacing the former Middlesbrough manager, with ex-Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann among the possible candidates.
However, Carrick is expected to lead the team against Chelsea and will have further opportunities to improve their performances.
Carrick initially took charge on an interim basis in January following Ruben Amorim’s departure.
He was appointed permanently in May after guiding United to third place in the league and securing Champions League qualification.
The team’s performances have deteriorated this season, with United recording just one victory in their opening eight Premier League matches.
Defender Lisandro Martinez previously criticised the club’s board over what he considered a lack of investment following a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Captain Bruno Fernandes also reportedly questioned Carrick’s tactics after United suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to Como in their subsequent Champions League fixture.
The Portuguese midfielder was dropped to the bench for Sunday’s defeat to Bournemouth and did not feature in the match.
Despite the poor results, sections of the United support expressed their backing for Carrick after the Bournemouth game, chanting his name as he walked towards the tunnel.
The supporters subsequently booed the players after the manager had left the pitch.
Speaking after the match, Carrick dismissed suggestions that his gestures towards the supporters amounted to a farewell.
“It wasn’t a farewell from me,” Carrick said on Sky Sports.
He added, “I’ve mixed emotions, 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.”
Carrick was also at the club’s training ground on Monday, despite the first-team players being given the day off.
United director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada were also seen arriving at the facility, while Carrick reportedly left at about 17:00 GMT.
Howe, 48, is available after leaving Newcastle United last summer.
However, any club seeking to appoint him would have to pay the Magpies a multi-million-pound compensation package following his resignation with three years remaining on his contract.
Nagelsmann, 39, is also among the names linked with the position after leaving his role as Germany coach following the team’s quarter-final exit at the 2026 World Cup.
He is reportedly aware of United’s interest.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is another coach admired by United’s hierarchy, although his existing contract could make a move difficult.
Questions remain over Carrick’s longer-term future, with the Chelsea fixture potentially proving important in determining the direction of United’s season.
The club also face a Champions League meeting with Roma on Tuesday before taking on Aston Villa.
Carrick’s previous victory at Stamford Bridge was among the results that helped secure his permanent appointment last season.
His next visit could provide an opportunity to rebuild confidence or intensify scrutiny of his position.
