Headline: Manchester United Weighs Managerial Change Amid Struggles Under Michael Carrick
Manchester United appears to be contemplating another managerial transition as pressure mounts on Michael Carrick following a challenging beginning to the season. Various reports indicate that the club’s leadership is evaluating the possibility of dismissing the 45-year-old manager during the November international break, with a decision anticipated prior to United’s upcoming match against Liverpool on November 22.
Currently, Manchester United finds itself in the 18th position in the Premier League standings after 10 matches, managing to secure just eight points through one victory, five draws, and four defeats. Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford exacerbated concerns regarding the team’s performance.
Although the team managed to equalize twice after trailing by two goals, the results have not alleviated Carrick’s struggles. Club executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are reportedly preparing to confer about his future with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family.
Challenges Facing Manchester United Under Carrick
Manchester United had already explored the option of letting Carrick go following a disappointing 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth on October 25, but Berrada and Wilcox opted to provide the manager with additional time to rectify the situation during the November break.
Since that decision, the outcomes have not improved. United suffered a defeat against Chelsea, recorded a comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League, and ultimately drew against Aston Villa.
In total, Carrick’s side has claimed just three wins across 15 matches this season. With 14 goals scored and 19 conceded in the Premier League, the team sits precariously one point above the relegation zone.
Carrick initially secured the permanent position at Manchester United after an effective interim period. After taking over from Ruben Amorim in January 2026, he led the team to a third-place finish in the Premier League.
Under his guidance, the team achieved 11 wins in 16 matches, securing a Champions League spot and earning a two-year contract in May. However, injuries to key forwards Amad Diallo and Benjamin Sesko have hindered the team’s attacking strategies, while ongoing defensive issues have further complicated results.
Potential Candidates to Replace Carrick
As the club contemplates its next managerial move, several candidates have emerged as possibilities for replacement.
Mauricio Pochettino stands out as a leading option. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager currently oversees the U.S. national team but reportedly remains receptive to returning to club management after recently extending his contract with U.S. Soccer.
Eddie Howe is another candidate whose name has surfaced for the Manchester United job. The English manager departed from Newcastle United during the summer and has previously made a mark in the Premier League.
Julian Nagelsmann, who used to manage Bayern Munich and is now coaching Germany, is also in the running. Reports indicated that Manchester United expressed interest in him back in October.
Italian manager Antonio Conte has shown interest in the position as well, having garnered experience in winning league titles with Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Napoli.
Unai Emery, currently at the helm of Aston Villa, is also under consideration, with his success at the club keeping him in the conversation for significant managerial roles.
Crucial Decision Ahead of Liverpool Match
Kieran McKenna has also been mentioned as a possible candidate while Manchester United weighs its options.
Any decision regarding a new appointment will necessitate consensus among Berrada, Wilcox, Ratcliffe, and the Glazer family. Carrick has not publicly commented on speculation about his dismissal, although following the loss to Bournemouth, he remarked on the difficulty of the situation but expressed his commitment to the role.
The upcoming international break provides Manchester United with a chance to implement a managerial change without facing immediate league action. Their next major challenge is scheduled against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22. Should the club proceed to part ways with Carrick, it would mark yet another shift in management during a tumultuous period since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
At this point, Carrick’s future hangs in the balance, while the five potential managers linked to the position remain under consideration rather than confirmed candidates.
