Manchester United set to take time over decision on head coach Michael Carrick's future despite worst-ever Premier League start and dropping into relegation zone with Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa; hierarchy believe Carrick retains support of dressing room regardless of poor form
By Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett and Danyal Khan
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Manchester United's bosses will not rush a decision over Michael Carrick's future after their 4-4 draw with Aston Villa which leaves them in the relegation zone.
Sky Sports News understands the club's hierarchy are planning to use the international break to fully evaluate the season so far and reassess their options.
Carrick and the players have all had Monday off after rescuing a late point against Villa on Sunday, but the head coach and his staff are due back into Carrington on Tuesday.
With most players away on international duty and no first-team training sessions planned in the coming days, that has bought some breathing space for a full re-evaluation of the season.
One win in 11 games, 30 goals conceded so far in all competitions, the worst record of any team in the top-five European leagues, and a worst-ever start to a Premier League season has ramped up the pressure on Carrick still further.
Those problems have outweighed the positivity brought about by the comebacks of the last two matches.
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It is thought the United hierarchy feel Carrick over-achieved last season, with a third-placed League finish earning Champions League football.
But it is equally clear the bosses are adamant that the club's current crop of players have woefully under-achieved so far this season.
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The review will ask the question why that is the case, and how the club - collectively - can quickly reverse the decline.
Sky Sports News understands there are three key reasons why United are not rushing a decision over the head coach position - all of which have given Carrick an extended stay of execution.
Firstly, the supporters are not singing for him to be sacked. It is unlikely that will ever happen, such is the affection of the fanbase for a legendary player who won 11 major trophies with United, including the Champions League and five Premier League titles.
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As such, the pressure to change the boss which other clubs often experience from the stands has not materialised at Old Trafford.
Secondly, there is a feeling in the boardroom that Carrick and his coaching staff still retain the support of the players.
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Despite the chaotic nature of the last two games, they have produced a Champions League win against Roma and a draw against a good Villa side - with notable comebacks in both.
As such, the assessment seems to be that the players have not downed tools, and they are still fighting for Carrick.
Thirdly, United's bosses remain unconvinced at this stage that changing the head coach will solve the team's problems.
If they did believe that, they could have already made a move to sack Carrick and appoint a candidate such as Julian Nagelsmann or Eddie Howe - both of whom are out of work, available, and thought to be keen to talk to United if a vacancy becomes available.
Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol :
"The club needs to become Manchester United again. They need to turn into a club who are capable of winning the title regularly, winning the European Cup again.
"It doesn't matter who's in charge, in my opinion. You could have Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp. But with the present ownership structure, I don't think things are going to change.
"You could bring in another manager but you would just paper over the cracks. We're talking about a club that used to rub shoulders with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"If things carry on as they are at the moment, they'll be rubbing shoulders with Lincoln and QPR. There's a circus around the club, everyone talking about what's going wrong and how it can be changed.
"But I think most Man Utd fans think that unless you change the owners, nothing is going to change."
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Source: Sports
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