Michael Carrick remains in charge of Manchester United after club bosses held crisis talks on Monday, following an eighth successive game without victory in all competitions.
The former Red Devils midfielder was widely expected to be sacked after Sunday's defeat to Bournemouth, which left the club firmly in the bottom half of the Premier League table. However, he appears to have been granted an unexpected stay of execution.
Crisis Talks and a Day Off for Players
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox arrived at Carrington on Monday morning to discuss Carrick's future. A few hours later, the under-fire boss arrived to watch United's under-21 side play a behind-closed-doors match against Hull City, spending just over three hours at the training ground before leaving with his son, Jacey.
The first-team players were given a day off, apart from a select few who attended for injury treatment. Bruno Fernandes was among them despite not playing a single minute against Bournemouth on the weekend.
Carrick to Lead Training Ahead of Chelsea Clash
It later emerged that Carrick would be leading Tuesday's training session ahead of United's next game against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon. There is still every chance that he could be sacked before then, but as things stand, the 45-year-old remains in charge.
If he is axed, it would leave United needing to appoint their eighth permanent manager since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
Potential Replacements and Financial Factors
According to The Athletic, some insiders believe that United bosses backing Carrick could break that cycle of constant change in the dugout. The report adds that financial factors might also be at play, namely the cost of sacking the 45-year-old just four months into a two-year contract, combined with the inevitable exits of his backroom staff.
However, those in command at Old Trafford have already started thinking about potential replacements. Director of football Jason Wilcox is eager to appoint Eddie Howe, who is still available following his Newcastle exit in the summer. Howe is reportedly eager to take over at United should the opportunity arise, but a move for his signature would cost millions in compensation.
The former Magpies boss was on around £6m a year at St James' Park and serving a multi-year deal extended in summer 2024, meaning Newcastle would be due a significant payment. It has also been claimed that Howe would want to bring his entire backroom team with him if approached by United.
Meanwhile, head of recruitment Christopher Vivell reportedly favours appointing Julian Nagelsmann, the former Germany manager who left his role after the recent World Cup. Antonio Conte has also been linked with the United job, having recently issued a cryptic statement making it clear he was open to returning to work.
The final decision will have to be approved by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls football operations at United. According to The Sun, he maintains that United should be represented by a homegrown head coach where possible, which suggests Howe would be his preferred option.
