Manchester United are not planning to sack Michael Carrick during the international break, despite taking only five points from their opening five Premier League matches and suffering an early Carabao Cup exit.
The club are instead expected to give their head coach time to address the team’s problems before United return to league action against Tottenham at Old Trafford on October 10.
United surrendered a two-goal lead before losing to Brighton in the Carabao Cup, while a late Matheus Cunha equaliser secured a 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday. The result extended an underwhelming start and did little to ease the scrutiny surrounding Carrick.
Manchester United back stability under Carrick
There is currently no indication that the club are preparing to make a change in the dugout during the break. Director of football Jason Wilcox is understood to favour stability, with Carrick expected to remain in charge when domestic football resumes.
Carrick has reportedly been concentrating on finding solutions rather than on speculation about his position. The responsibility for improving United’s results has also been described as a collective one across the group.
However, concerns remain over the side’s midfield balance, intensity and tactical cohesion. Frustration among supporters has also begun to grow following the draw at Fulham.
Retaining Carrick through the international break would avoid another managerial change after only five league games. He also received credit last season for guiding United into the Champions League, strengthening the case for allowing him more time to respond.
The break gives Carrick an opportunity to reassess his midfield structure, pressing approach and attacking balance without an immediate fixture to prepare for. The meeting with Tottenham is therefore likely to carry added importance.
United will not necessarily be expected to produce a perfect performance on their return, but improvement will be required. If the same tactical weaknesses persist, pressure on Carrick is likely to intensify quickly.
