By Ghazali Ibrahim
Manchester United are considering sacking head coach Michael Carrick as the club’s hierarchy reviews his future during the ongoing international break following a disappointing run of results.
The club is expected to decide whether Carrick will remain in charge after a series of poor performances left United in the Premier League relegation zone.
According to reports, director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are leading discussions over the manager’s position.
The review comes after United’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, a result that left the club 18th in the league standings with eight points from 10 matches.
United have managed just one Premier League victory this season, while their recent run includes a 4-1 defeat to Como, a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth and a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Although Carrick’s side secured a 3-2 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League before Sunday’s draw, the results have reportedly failed to ease concerns within the club’s leadership.
Carrick had previously been given three matches, against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa, to improve the team’s performance before the international break.
However, the club is now reviewing whether the improvement shown in the Roma victory and the late comeback against Villa is enough to justify retaining him.
Reports indicate that Wilcox and Berrada will make a recommendation to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees the club’s sporting operations, with the Glazer family also involved in the final decision.
Meanwhile, former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann have been mentioned among possible replacements if Manchester United decide to part ways with Carrick. Mauricio Pochettino has also been linked with the position.
Despite the growing uncertainty surrounding his future, Carrick has maintained that he believes he can turn the team’s fortunes around.
The former Manchester United midfielder, who led the club to Champions League qualification last season, has not publicly indicated any intention to resign.
As of Tuesday, November 10, Manchester United had not officially announced his dismissal, and reports indicate that no final decision had been made.
The club is expected to conclude its assessment before returning to action against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
