Michael Carrick's position as Manchester United head coach is looking increasingly in doubt, but Sky Sports News has been told as yet, no final decision has been taken about his future. As reported earlier on Monday, the club is carrying out a full review of the team's performance so far this season, led by director of football Jason Wilcox, with a plan for a decision to be made before the end of this international break. Carrick was given a reprieve following the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth a fortnight ago, with the bosses keen to give him a further three matches to try to turn the team's fortunes around.
But the pressure has continued to mount on Carrick after an eighth straight Premier League match without a win. There are now real doubts about whether he will be in charge of the team which goes to Anfield to play Liverpool the weekend after next. The United hierarchy is determined that results have to improve, but they want to be sure about which direction to take the team before any action is taken.
If they decide to remove Carrick from his position, they want to avoid having an interim head coach take over, but as yet, there have been no substantive talks with other potential candidates. Sky Sports News understands the club's hierarchy are planning to use the international break to fully evaluate the season so far and reassess their options. Carrick and the players have all had Monday off after rescuing a late point against Villa on Sunday, but the head coach and his staff are due back into Carrington on Tuesday.
With most players away on international duty and no first-team training sessions planned in the coming days, that has bought some breathing space for a full re-evaluation of the season. One win in 11 games, 30 goals conceded so far in all competitions, the worst record of any team in the top-five European leagues, and a worst-ever start to a Premier League season has ramped up the pressure on Carrick. Those problems have outweighed the positivity brought about by the comebacks of the last two matches.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player It is thought the United hierarchy feel Carrick over-achieved last season, with a third-placed League finish earning Champions League football. But it is equally clear the bosses are adamant that the club's current crop of players have woefully under-achieved so far this season. Sky Sports News understands there are three key reasons why United are not rushing a decision over the head coach position - all of which have given Carrick an extended stay of execution.
Firstly, the supporters are not singing for him to be sacked. It is unlikely that will ever happen, such is the affection of the fanbase for a legendary player who won 11 major trophies with United, including the Champions League and five Premier League titles. Follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest sports news, videos, features, analysis and much more As such, the pressure to change the boss which other clubs often experience from the stands has not materialised at Old Trafford.
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