Manchester United are expected to decide Michael Carrick’s future by Thursday, as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepares to meet senior club executives to discuss whether the under-pressure manager should remain in charge.
According to BBC Sport, Ratcliffe is due to meet chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox in Monaco on Wednesday. The two executives are expected to present their assessment of Carrick’s performance, with a recommendation for his possible dismissal reportedly under consideration.
No final decision has been announced, and Carrick remains in charge of the team.
The 45-year-old former United midfielder is facing increasing pressure after the club slipped into the Premier League relegation zone following a poor start to the season. United have managed just one league victory in their opening 10 matches and currently sit 18th in the standings.
Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa offered some relief after United scored twice in stoppage time to rescue a point. However, the result did little to change their position in the table.
Carrick had previously come close to losing his job following a 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como and a 3-0 Premier League loss to Bournemouth. The club subsequently gave him three more matches to improve results before the November international break.
United lost 2-0 to Chelsea, defeated Roma 3-2 and drew with Aston Villa in those three fixtures. Despite the comeback against Roma and the late recovery against Villa, defensive weaknesses have remained a concern.
Pochettino linked with possible Old Trafford return
If United decide to replace Carrick, former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is among the leading candidates being linked with the position.
Pochettino currently manages the United States men’s national team, having extended his contract in August. However, reports indicate that he would be open to returning to the Premier League.
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte have also been mentioned as possible candidates.
United are scheduled to return to Premier League action against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, following the international break.
For now, Carrick remains in charge, with the club’s leadership yet to communicate a final decision on his future.
