Carrick stays as United manager for now
At Old Trafford, where Manchester United recently lost 0‑3 to Bournemouth, the club confirmed on Monday after an emergency meeting that Michael Carrick will remain as manager for the time being, while defender Matthijs de Ligt and striker Joshua Zirkzee await their first major news.
According to The Athletic, the club’s board decided on Monday during an emergency meeting to give the Englishman and the playing group more time to reverse the sporting crisis. Dismissal is therefore not being considered in the short term. The decision gives Carrick a brief breathing space to improve results.
Results and league pressure
United lost at home on Sunday 0‑3 to Bournemouth, dropping the team to sixteenth place in the Premier League. The gap to the relegation zone is now only one point. Since the 4‑0 victory over Sabah FK in the Champions League in mid‑September, United have gone eight consecutive matches without a win.
Who was in the meeting room?
Co‑owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox took part in the discussion. Together they decided to give the manager the trust for the time being. The meeting underscored the urgency of the situation.
The Athletic called the outcome a ‘surprising development’, given the turbulent period the former midfielder has endured. The English media name several possible successors, including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte and Unai Emery.
Upcoming fixtures and deadline
Carrick has little time to reinforce the board’s decision. Manchester United resume the Premier League on Saturday with an away game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. On Tuesday 3 November a Champions League tie with AS Roma awaits, followed by a clash with Aston Villa on Sunday 8 November. After the international break a high‑stakes confrontation with arch‑rival Liverpool is on the agenda for Sunday 22 November.
United have Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee in the squad. The centre‑back has just returned from a lengthy injury lay‑off and was placed in the starting eleven last week during the 4‑1 defeat to Como. Zirkzee scored a late goal in that match, but will mainly have to be used as a short‑term substitute.
The coming weeks are crucial for Carrick; he must quickly secure results to quell the unrest at Old Trafford and retain the confidence of the playing group.