Manchester United yet to decide Michael Carrick’s future

Manchester United have not decided whether to keep Michael Carrick as head coach, with the club set to reassess his position during the international break after a run of mixed results and defensive problems.

Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa left United 18th in the Premier League and marked their worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years. Carrick has taken one win, one draw and one defeat from his three matches in charge since the board gave him more time following a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth on 25 October.

United have conceded eight goals in those three games and dropped into the relegation zone. The board has also taken encouragement from the players’ fightback after falling two goals behind in each of their past two matches, which it sees as evidence that the squad remains behind Carrick.

The club considered replacing him after the Bournemouth defeat, with former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann among those discussed. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are expected to have significant influence on the final decision. Carrick said after Sunday’s draw that he would not resign.

United travel to Liverpool on 22 November for their first match after the break. Their defensive record remains a major concern: they have conceded 19 league goals, with only Crystal Palace and Ipswich letting in more, and have shipped 15 in their past three matches in all competitions.

Former United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen told BBC Radio Five Live that opponents would fancy their chances against United because they could be opened up and scored against. Carrick, meanwhile, defended Diogo Dalot after the full-back was booed by some supporters following a costly mistake against Villa, saying he understood the frustration but that Dalot gave everything for the team.

Five of United’s next seven league opponents are currently in the bottom half, including four of the other sides in the bottom five. Whether Carrick stays or goes, United’s immediate challenge is to shore up a defence that has conceded regularly.