Gerrard warns Carrick Manchester United must beat Aston Villa to avoid decisive action

Steven Gerrard has warned Michael Carrick that Manchester United must beat Aston Villa on Sunday or the club’s hierarchy could take decisive action before the international break.

Carrick eased some of the pressure around his position with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday. The result ended a run of nine matches without a win in all competitions, but the Manchester United manager knows another strong performance will be required against Aston Villa.

According to the Mirror, sporting director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada have spoken to Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte. However, no final decision has been made about Carrick’s future.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Gerrard said a positive result could influence the club’s thinking.

“Sometimes, the performance against a particular opponent and in a particular way can give the board more confidence and more hope,” he said.

“Michael is going through a difficult period, and I think the next league game is decisive. If he can win it, everyone will see it as a possible first step towards improving his performances.

“But everyone knows the impact of losing the final match before the international break. If he loses after a run without a league victory, it will be difficult for him.”

Manchester United host Aston Villa in the Premier League on 08 November 2026, with Carrick’s side having collected only seven points from their opening nine league matches.

They are 17th in the Premier League table and are separated from the relegation zone only by goal difference.

Gerrard says Manchester United’s problems run deeper

Gerrard recently criticised seven Manchester United players, saying they had not reached the standards expected at the club. He also argued that Carrick had not been given sufficient support in the transfer market.

Manchester United spent £155m on three midfielders during the summer transfer window, but did not sign the left-back and striker the club most urgently needed.

Gerrard believes the club’s difficulties cannot be attributed solely to the current manager or his assistant.

“Several managers have taken charge of them over the past five or six years, but they have not been able to change the team’s direction,” he said.

“I think Jose Mourinho was the best. He finished second in the league and won a European trophy, so the task is difficult at the moment because I do not think the problem lies only with the manager or the assistant manager.”

He added: “I think the problem is a group of players who have not performed consistently and have not given enough to the club, as well as there being several administrative problems.

“I said recently that Manchester United have many problems, not just one, and I do not think Michael Carrick is the biggest of them.”