Manchester United have decided to keep Michael Carrick in charge for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea, giving the under-pressure head coach another opportunity to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Carrick’s future came under serious scrutiny following United’s damaging 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, but the club’s management has opted to give him at least one more match to address the team’s struggles.
The Eagle Online had reported that United director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada held discussions at the club’s Carrington training ground on Monday over Carrick’s position, with alternatives reportedly already under consideration.
However, Carrick took charge of training on Tuesday as the club decided to retain him for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
United head into the weekend without a victory in eight matches across all competitions. The 13-time Premier League champions are also just one point and two places above the relegation zone, increasing the pressure on the coaching staff.
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are among the names being considered as potential replacements should the club decide to dismiss Carrick.
The former United midfielder received support from matchgoing fans at Old Trafford during the Bournemouth defeat, although the players were booed, reflecting where much of the frustration among supporters was directed.
Carrick must also decide whether to restore captain Bruno Fernandes to the starting line-up against Chelsea after dropping the Portuguese midfielder for the Bournemouth match.
Fernandes had criticised the coaching staff’s tactics following United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, prompting Carrick to leave him out of the side.
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Chelsea, meanwhile, are fifth in the league table, six points ahead of United after eight matches. They also suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
After Saturday’s encounter, United will face Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, November 3, before travelling to take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, November 8.
Carrick was initially appointed United manager in January 2026 following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. He was handed a contract until the end of the season and subsequently guided the club to 12 victories in 17 matches, helping them finish third in the Premier League and secure a return to the Champions League.
His impressive run earned him the permanent head coach position on May 22.
However, United’s current struggles have placed his position in doubt once again, with the Chelsea fixture now presenting an immediate opportunity to improve results.
Since Jim Ratcliffe became a part-owner of United and took control of the club’s football operations nearly three years ago, the club has dismissed two managers during the season: Erik ten Hag and Amorim.
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