Manchester United have decided not to sack Michael Carrick despite their disappointing 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, with INEOS continuing to back the manager after a difficult opening to the Premier League season.
United appeared set for victory at Old Trafford when Bryan Mbeumo gave them the lead and Tottenham were reduced to 10 men following Rodrigo Bentancur’s dismissal. However, Dominic Solanke equalised deep into stoppage time to deny Carrick’s side all three points.
The result leaves United with six points from their first six league matches and sitting 12th in the table. Despite that poor return, the club’s hierarchy are not preparing to make an immediate change in the dugout.
Manchester United continue to back Michael Carrick
The stance from INEOS remains that Carrick is not under immediate pressure. Transfer insider Graeme Bailey said the club did not believe United had performed particularly badly, despite the disappointing results.
“The message from the club, they don’t think they have played too badly,” Bailey said.
He added that United had not been expected to mount a title challenge this season, with qualification for the Champions League regarded as a more realistic target.
“Clearly being in 12th at this point isn’t ideal, but they weren’t putting the pressure on him to have a title charge this season,” Bailey said.
Carrick secured the permanent job after guiding United to third last season, meaning the club believe it would be premature to judge him after only six league matches.
However, the scale of the poor start has increased scrutiny. United’s six-point tally represents their worst beginning to a league season since 1986-87, while surrendering a lead against 10-man Tottenham has added to concerns about the team’s ability to see out matches.
For now, Carrick retains the backing of the Manchester United hierarchy. The club’s position was summed up by Bailey: “The message coming from Old Trafford at the moment is he’s not under pressure.”
That support is likely to be tested if United’s performances do not begin producing victories in their next matches.
