Michael Carrick is reportedly on the brink of being sacked as Manchester United manager following the club’s disastrous start to the season.
United’s hierarchy has launched an internal review of the team’s poor performances, with reports suggesting that Carrick could soon be relieved of his duties.
The Red Devils are enduring their worst start to a campaign in 40 years and currently find themselves in the Premier League relegation zone after going eight consecutive matches without a victory.
Although no final decision has reportedly been taken, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are said to favour dismissing the 45-year-old.
United’s owners, the Glazer family, and influential shareholder Jim Ratcliffe will ultimately decide whether to accept that recommendation.
Carrick was spotted arriving at the club’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday, but his departure now appears increasingly likely.
Appointed permanently during the close season after an impressive interim spell last term, Carrick had previously been given another opportunity despite widespread expectations that he would be dismissed in late October following a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.
However, the decision to keep him in charge has failed to bring about a meaningful improvement, particularly in the team’s defensive performances.
United subsequently suffered a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea before recovering from two goals down to secure a dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma.
Carrick appeared destined for the exit after United twice fell two goals behind against Aston Villa on Sunday. However, two goals in stoppage time earned the team an unlikely 4-4 draw, offering a brief boost to his prospects as the players appeared determined to keep fighting for him.
Despite that late comeback, the club’s decision-makers are reportedly preparing for another managerial change as they seek to prevent United from becoming embroiled in an embarrassing relegation battle.
Several high-profile managers have already been linked with the position, including United States national team coach Mauricio Pochettino, former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, ex-Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
United have the remainder of the two-week international break to identify a replacement before returning to action against fierce rivals Liverpool on November 22.