Manchester United decide to keep Michael Carrick despite poor run

Manchester United have decided to keep Michael Carrick as manager during the international break, despite a difficult start to the Premier League season and growing questions over his position.

United finished third in the Premier League last season under Carrick, raising hopes that the club were on the verge of returning permanently to the top of English football. Those expectations have not been met this campaign. After 10 league matches, United have won only once and sit 18th in the table.

The Red Devils are in the relegation zone and are one point behind Coventry, the first team outside the bottom three. The poor run has left Carrick’s future uncertain for several weeks, with the international break providing an opportunity for the club to make a managerial change.

United’s latest result added further drama to the situation. They were 2-0 down against Aston Villa on Sunday and later trailed 4-2, but two goals in stoppage time secured a 4-4 draw.

Carrick expects to remain in charge

Carrick said after the match that he had no intention of stepping down.

“That won’t happen. We haven’t achieved enough wins, but I expect to continue working, improve our performances and win,” he said.

His position has also attracted strong criticism in the English media. The Daily Mail launched an attack on both the team and the manager, arguing that the latest results would not be enough to save United from what it described as “the Carrick disaster”.

“Manchester do not have a real football team, but a group of adrenaline addicts. As time goes on, that will not be enough,” the newspaper said.

It added: “Carrick’s players lack so much ability that they will not be able to keep their manager in the job for much longer; they look unqualified.”

Despite the criticism, reports in the English media suggest United’s board are not currently seeking to dismiss Carrick. The Mirror and Manchester Evening News both reported that the club’s preference is to maintain continuity, even though an international break would traditionally offer a suitable opportunity to appoint a new manager.

United are due to face Sunderland in the Premier League on 22 November 2026, while Aston Villa play on 21 November 2026. Liverpool are also scheduled to meet Sunderland on 22 November 2026.

For now, there is calm at Carrington. The remaining question is whether Manchester United’s board will maintain its position or change course before the team’s next fixtures.