Review first, decision later
Manchester United will not rush a verdict on Michael Carrick. Sky Sports News reports that the club’s hierarchy plans to use the international break for a full evaluation of the season and a reassessment of their options.
The context is grim. Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, rescued late at Old Trafford, dropped United into the relegation zone. They have one win in 11 games and have conceded 30 goals in all competitions, the worst record in Europe’s top five leagues. It is also the worst start to a Premier League season in the club’s history.
Carrick and the players were given Monday off. The head coach and his staff are due back at Carrington on Tuesday, though with most of the squad away on international duty there are no first-team sessions planned.
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Why the board is waiting
Sky Sports News understands there are three reasons behind the patience. The supporters are not calling for his dismissal, which is unlikely given the affection for a former player who won 11 major trophies at the club. The board also believes Carrick and his staff still have the dressing room, pointing to the comebacks against Roma in the Champions League and against Villa.
The third is doubt that a change of head coach would fix the problems. Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe are both available and reported to be open to talks if a vacancy arose, so a move would not be difficult to make. Nobody at United has made one.
The hierarchy believe Carrick over-achieved last season, when United finished third and qualified for the Champions League. They are equally clear that this squad has badly under-achieved so far this term, and the review will ask why.
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