Manchester United are unlikely to appoint another interim head coach if they decide to replace Michael Carrick in the coming weeks, according to information obtained by Sky Sports News. Carrick’s future is under growing pressure after he won just one of his last 10 games in charge.
Carrick still has support among the United hierarchy, although there is a lingering concern that changing the head coach would not necessarily change the team’s fortunes.
The Champions League victory over Roma on Tuesday night has provided some respite and boosted belief in the changing room and the boardroom. It was United’s first win in 10 matches in all competitions.
There is, however, a realisation that one win on its own is not enough to turn a season around. United remain 17th in the Premier League, outside the relegation places only on goal difference. The nature of the victory against Roma was also chaotic. Although the character of the team in coming back from 2-0 down suggests the players are still behind Carrick, it took a re-taken Bruno Fernandes penalty to turn the tide. United’s bosses still have doubts about the team’s direction and lack of consistency.
Carrick was given the top job on a two-year basis in May, after a brilliant record as interim head coach that secured Champions League football. There was a clamour from United fans for their former midfielder to be given the role permanently.
Nevertheless, United’s bosses were determined to carry out thorough due diligence when they spoke to other candidates before appointing Carrick. It is thought United would not want to repeat that process with another interim head coach, as they seek a longer-term strategy for their most important football role.
Wilcox and Berrada weigh options
Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, who run United’s football operations, are still considering other options should they feel a change is needed. With the international break next week offering a chance to take a breath and reassess, there is a feeling that the Super Sunday game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford is a key one for Carrick’s future.
Villa move complicates United’s plans
Aston Villa, Sunday’s opponents, have announced they are close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Unai Emery, with a new long-term strategy built around the Spaniard and his staff. That development is a blow to Manchester United.
Emery was high on United’s list of potential future targets, given his record of twice securing Champions League football and the club’s first European trophy in over four decades, the Europa League, won in May. However, United have long realised that it would be difficult and expensive to prise Emery away from Villa Park, especially mid-season, and Villa’s owners are adamant he is going nowhere.
As a result, United’s bosses have remained open-minded about other candidates, with Julian Nagelsmann, Fabian Hurzeler and Eddie Howe prominent in their thinking.
United have not yet spoken directly to any other coach, as there is currently no feeling of a vacancy. The preferred outcome on all sides is that results improve and Carrick remains in charge.