Michael Carrick is set to remain in charge of Manchester United for the time being after being given the opportunity to turn things around. The under-fire Red Devils manager is under enormous pressure to save his job after surviving a round of internal crisis talks on Monday.
The expectation was that Carrick would be relieved of his duties, but he has instead been granted an unexpected stay of execution. United's top brass have decided to give him time to save the club's season, meaning he will be in charge for at least one more game. That will see the Red Devils travel south to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Why Carrick Keeps His Job
It's been reported that United chose to retain Carrick due to a lack of attractive options to replace him in the Old Trafford dugout. Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann were believed to have been the standout candidates, with Antonio Conte considered an outsider for the role.
However, after a round of talks involving chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, a decision was reached to allow Carrick to stay.
Poor Run of Form
The former England midfielder has endured a torrid campaign since taking the manager's job on a permanent basis in the summer. United have not won any of their last eight games in all competitions. In the Premier League, they have only beaten newly-promoted Ipswich Town, while their sole Champions League victory came against tournament debutants Sabah.
Their performances have also been dire to say the least, but some might argue that Carrick isn't United's biggest problem, with the main issues lying in the boardroom. They overhauled their midfield in the summer window but Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos haven't impressed as of yet, while the jury remains out on fellow new arrival Carlos Baleba.
Transfer and Player Issues
United also failed to sign a striker and a left-back, which were among their main goals heading into the close-season period. Some might say that Carrick has also been let down by the players, who have failed to deliver under his leadership despite performing well towards the end of last season.
Meanwhile, the explosive public statements made by Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes in recent weeks have done little to help his cause. For now, his sole objective will be to get United back to winning ways, starting with a much-needed victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. However, it remains to be seen whether another defeat will simply send the Red Devils back to square one this time next week.
