Michael Carrick will remain in charge of Manchester United for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Chelsea this weekend, as club leaders grant the 45-year-old an opportunity to salvage a difficult campaign. Carrick, who signed a two-year contract as permanent head coach last May, led a training session on Tuesday morning while preparing his squad to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. According to sources have, Sport that the 45-year-old will be given the opportunity to turn things around at Old Trafford following a dismal start to the campaign. Manchester United might be trying to pass this off as business as usual but the reality is anything but.
United’s season has faltered significantly, leaving them winless in eight matches across all competitions and sitting just one spot above the Premier League relegation zone. The pressure intensified after Sunday’s heavy 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, following a collapse in form where the team has managed just a single victory from eight league outings this term.
Despite the recent crisis, Carrick received supportive backing from supporters at Old Trafford on Sunday. Fans chanted his name as he gestured toward the Stretford End before turning their boos toward the players after he exited down the tunnel. Speaking after the game, Carrick dismissed any speculation that his gesture signaled an exit, explaining on Sky Sports that it was not a farewell. He noted mixed emotions, expressing sympathy for players navigating a tough period while appreciating the ongoing fan connection despite results and performances falling below required standards. I’ve mixed emotions, I’m feeling it for my players, they’re going through a tough spell. Some of it the situation unravels and the boys are feeling it at the moment, some of it we can help. It’ll take a bit of time to digest but I certainly appreciate their support, to have that connection with the supporters it’s mixed emotions.
Internal tensions have also emerged from within the squad in recent weeks. Defender Lisandro Martinez publicly criticized the board’s lack of investment following a 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid. In the subsequent European fixture, captain Bruno Fernandes voiced frustration over Carrick’s tactical approach after a embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Como. Consequently, Fernandes was dropped to the substitute bench for Sunday’s league loss to Bournemouth and remained an unused option throughout the match.
While senior executives continue to back Carrick for the immediate trip to London, the club hierarchy has simultaneously explored alternative management options. Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, 48, is available after stepping down last summer, though hiring him would require paying a multi-million pound compensation package to Newcastle as three years remained on his contract. Ex-Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, 39, who left his national team role after a quarter-final exit at the 2026 World Cup, is aware of United’s interest. Additionally, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is well regarded at Old Trafford, though his existing contract complicates any potential approach.
Uncertainty around the club’s leadership was further heightened early in the week by senior activity at the Carrington training ground. Club chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox were both photographed arriving on Monday. Carrick was also at the training complex early on Monday despite the senior squad having an off day, staying until around 17:00 GMT after watching an Under-21 match featuring his son, Jacey.
Carrick returned to Carrington by 07:30 GMT on Tuesday ahead of an 11:00 training session. However, the prolonged lack of formal public clarification regarding his long-term position has continued to fuel ongoing speculation surrounding his role beyond the upcoming weekend encounter.
Carrick originally took interim charge of United in January following the departure of Ruben Amorim. He earned the head coaching role on a permanent basis in May after steering the team to a third-place league finish and securing Champions League qualification, bolstered significantly by a crucial victory at Stamford Bridge last season.
The upcoming match against Chelsea now presents a critical turning point for Carrick and his squad as United search for momentum ahead of subsequent fixtures, including a Champions League trip to face Roma and a domestic clash against Aston Villa.
