Michael Carrick is set to remain Manchester United manager for at least the next three matches, including the upcoming fixtures against Roma and Aston Villa, despite Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Red Devils were reduced to 10 men during the loss, which has dropped them into the relegation zone. However, Carrick's job was not under immediate threat over the weekend, with the club having already outlined a timeline for his future.
Club Backs Carrick for Next Three Games
According to journalist David Ornstein, speaking to NBC Sports, Manchester United decided Carrick would remain in charge for the next three games following internal deliberations. Ornstein described the decision as "quite simply a show of faith in Michael Carrick, that continues to this day."
"I'll tell our audiences that I would expect him to be in charge for both the Roma and Aston Villa games," Ornstein said. "And that's because when they had these deliberations, that you mention, they decided he would be in charge for the next three games."
Market and Player Reaction Cited
Ornstein noted that the availability of other managers was a factor in the decision, but stressed that United wanted to stick with Carrick. The club had given him the job permanently earlier this year after a process, feeling he had earned it.
"But I don't think they were ready to ditch it just yet, especially given how spectacular of a success he was for the first part of 2026," Ornstein added. "They also looked at the reaction of the players back at Carrington on the training ground."
He said the players realised, after being booed off the pitch against Bournemouth, that they were determined to put things right and could not hide behind the manager. United have not been speaking with other coaches directly behind Carrick's back, and they still believe he can bring about an upturn in the coming week.
Upcoming Fixtures
United return to action on Tuesday evening, hosting Roma at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils currently 20th in the Champions League table. One of their two wins this season has come in Europe, but they have since lost their next two clashes with Atletico Madrid and Como 1907.
After the Roma match, a tough test against Unai Emery's Aston Villa awaits, which could prove to be judgement day for Carrick as fans hope the side does not sink further into the relegation zone.
