Michael Carrick will reportedly be given at least two more matches in charge of Manchester United, despite overseeing their worst run in nearly 40 years.
United's 2-0 defeat by Chelsea on Saturday made it nine games in all competitions without a win - the club's worst run since 1988. The team sit 17th in the Premier League table, outside of the relegation zone on goal difference following another dismal day.
Board holds off on sacking
Lisandro Martinez's red card added another shambolic element to United's miserable start to the season, which leaves Carrick's future in serious doubt. He clung onto his job in the wake of last weekend's 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth following crisis talks with United chiefs.
Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada were once again in attendance to witness United's shortcomings. But despite a third straight defeat, they are not about to pull the trigger and sack the manager they appointed on a full-time basis in the summer.
Next two games decisive
The Athletic reports that United's hierarchy want to get to the November international break before making a decision. It means Carrick will be in charge for United's next two games, against Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday and against Aston Villa in the league next Sunday.
That echoes what Carrick himself said in his post-match press conference. Asked by TNT Sports if he would be in charge for the next game, Carrick replied: "Yes".
United went toe to toe with Chelsea in the first half, but failed to take their chances and were punished after the break. Morgan Rogers danced through a weak away defence to chip over Senne Lammens before Martinez was sent off.
The Argentina international caught Wesley Fofana with his arm from a corner, resulting in a second yellow card and a penalty which Cole Palmer dispatched past Lammens for 2-0.
Replacement shortlist drawn up
United have won just two of their 13 matches in all competitions this season and those came against newly-promoted Ipswich and Champions League minnows Roma. They have kept just one clean sheet all season and their disorganised defence and inability to take chances combined for another loss on Saturday.
Club chiefs have considered possible replacements for Carrick, with ex-Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Chelsea and Spurs boss Antonio Conte on the shortlist.
The November international break brings a two-week pause to proceedings, allowing more time to consider their next steps if Carrick cannot turn it around against Roma and Villa. Roma are third in Serie A and will come into Tuesday's game on the back of a 5-2 win over Udinese on Saturday which brought their goal tally to 16 in the past four games.
