Manchester United’s board is considering whether Michael Carrick should remain head coach during November’s international break, after Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa left the club 18th in the Premier League.
No final decision has been made, but BBC Sport understands that chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are increasingly expected to recommend Carrick’s dismissal to the Glazer family and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United have won only one of their 10 Premier League games and are one point above bottom club Crystal Palace. It is the club’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1986/87.
Only Crystal Palace and Ipswich have conceded more goals than United, who have allowed 19 in the league. Concern over their defensive record has grown after they conceded 15 goals in three matches in all competitions.
The club’s hierarchy initially decided to continue backing Carrick after United lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth on 25 October. He was given three matches before the two-week international break to improve results.
That run produced one win, one draw and one defeat, including a Champions League comeback victory against Roma. Club officials also noted signs of support from the players, who recovered from two-goal deficits in each of their past two matches.
Carrick, who was backed by former United striker Wayne Rooney last month, said after Sunday’s draw that he would not resign.
However, a difficult run of results has been accompanied by tension within the dressing room. United have won three of their past 15 matches in all competitions.
Potential replacements
United approached Eddie Howe, formerly Newcastle’s manager, and Julian Nagelsmann, the former Germany coach, in October. Antonio Conte, who previously managed Chelsea, is also interested in the position.
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino is interested in a move to Old Trafford, while his contract is understood to include provisions allowing him to leave for certain high-profile club jobs.
There have also been signs of disagreement inside the squad. Defender Lisandro Martinez criticised United’s summer recruitment after the defeat by Atletico Madrid, while Carrick held talks with captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder questioned his tactics following a 4-1 loss to Como.
United will return from the international break with an away fixture against Liverpool on 22 November. They will then host fellow bottom-five clubs Coventry, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.
