Michael Carrick faces Manchester United sack threat after slide into relegation zone

Michael Carrick is under growing pressure at Manchester United, with club executives reportedly preparing to recommend his dismissal after a prolonged run of poor performances left the 20-time English champions in the Premier League’s bottom three.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are expected to put forward a case for Carrick’s removal to the club’s board. No formal decision has yet been approved, but patience within the club is understood to have worn thin after several weeks of disjointed performances and continuing defensive problems.

United are now examining possible replacements as they look for a way to halt their domestic decline.

Eddie Howe is among the names being considered, with his organisational structure understood to be admired by the club. Mauricio Pochettino is also believed to remain a leading option because of his extensive experience in top-flight football.

The club has additionally looked at high-profile candidates from across Europe. Julian Nagelsmann is being considered despite the contractual difficulties that would be involved, while Antonio Conte is another option because of his record of winning league titles and quickly improving domestic fortunes.

Carrick, however, insisted after the defeat at Villa Park that he had no intention of stepping aside.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, he rejected the suggestion that he could walk away from the challenge at Old Trafford.

“We’re in November,” Carrick said. “I don’t like the situation where we are, I don’t like the results that we’ve had, but we can definitely do something about it.”

Asked whether he would resign if that was judged to be in the club’s best interests, the former Manchester United midfielder gave a firm response.

“That’s not going to happen,” he said. “I’m quite clear what direction the club needs to go in, and we’ve just got to win games.”

Carrick also said he expected to continue with his normal plans during the international break and did not intend to request emergency discussions with Berrada or Wilcox about his future.

“I’m pretty clear where we need to go and how we need to get there,” he added. “As a normal international week is, we’ll have some training, we’ll have one or two days off, not too much, but we’ll train and get ready for the next game.”

The manager’s future remains uncertain, though, and it is unclear whether United’s decision-makers will allow him to take charge of that fixture.