Michael Carrick’s Manchester United future to be decided after Chelsea and Aston Villa tests

Michael Carrick’s position as Manchester United manager will be reviewed during the November international break, with the club’s next two matches against Chelsea and Aston Villa set to determine whether he remains in charge.

United’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea is scheduled for 31 October 2026, before the game against Aston Villa. The international break, which begins on 9 November after the Villa match, has been identified as the key point for a final decision on Carrick’s future.

The club had initially intended to use that period to assess the manager’s position. However, a sharp decline in the team’s performances and results has brought the issue forward, prompting senior figures to hold an emergency meeting at the Carrington training ground.

The meeting took place on Monday and was led by sporting director Jason Wilcox. Chief executive Omar Berrada and head of recruitment Christopher Vivell were also present, while co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe joined the discussions by video link.

The talks formed part of an ongoing review of Manchester United’s options. Sources within the club told British website TEAMtalk that the board has already carried out detailed work on potential replacements should it decide to dismiss Carrick.

Eddie Howe is understood to be Wilcox’s preferred candidate and the leading option if United make a change. Sources said the financial compensation required to appoint the former Newcastle United manager would not prevent the club from proceeding.

Vivell, meanwhile, is strongly advocating the appointment of German coach Julian Nagelsmann. The club has also recognised the potential benefits of bringing in Italian manager Antonio Conte.

Despite the internal discussions, United have decided that Carrick will remain in charge for the upcoming match against Chelsea and is also expected to lead the side against Aston Villa.

The decision reflects two main considerations. United want to avoid placing the team under an interim manager for an extended period and are keen not to enter into a short-term arrangement.

Wilcox is also a significant personal supporter of Carrick. He played a central role in his appointment and wants him to succeed and establish himself as a long-term solution at Old Trafford.

That backing is not considered open-ended, however. Sources said the club’s continued support for Carrick does not guarantee that he will remain beyond the next two matches. His position remains the subject of intense debate, with results and performances now carrying decisive weight.

Carrick has therefore been given one final opportunity to produce a positive response against Chelsea and Aston Villa. Within the club, though, a change is still regarded as the more likely outcome, with the November international break providing what would be considered the ideal opportunity to appoint a permanent successor if there is no substantial improvement.