United to use break to assess Carrick
In the silence of Old Trafford, the executives watch the empty bench as the chaotic 4‑4 against Aston Villa recalls the disastrous start to the season; despite the relegation zone, Manchester United has not sacked Michael Carrick and hopes that the international break will provide the necessary time for a thorough assessment.
The hierarchy at Old Trafford said they will use the international break for a thorough assessment, avoiding rushed decisions.
The Red Devils have endured the worst start to a season ever in the Premier League, culminating in the chaotic 4‑4 against Aston Villa on Sunday.
With only one win in ten games, United sit in 18th place, the lowest position at this stage since 1986‑87.
Carrick gave the team Monday off after the last‑minute draw against Aston Villa, but he and the staff will return to Carrington on Tuesday.
With much of the squad tied up with internationals, the lack of training has given the executives a bit of breathing room.
The break allows performance assessment without the pressure of preparing for a match.
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Secondly, the fans have not called for his dismissal, showing sympathy for the former legendary midfielder, winner of eleven trophies including five Premier Leagues and a Champions League.
The board is not convinced by immediate alternatives, believing that a change on the bench would not solve the current problems.
Internal indicators show that the manager retains control of the dressing room, as demonstrated by the comeback against Roma (3‑2) in the Champions League and the 4‑4 against Aston Villa.
The management has not yet identified a replacement, although coaches such as Julian Nagelsmann or Eddie Howe are available.
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After the international break, United will be back on the pitch on November 22 at Liverpool, where they sit in 18th place in the Premier League.
The schedule will ease: five of the next seven matches will be against lower‑midtable teams, including the internal clashes with Coventry, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.
The defence has conceded 19 league goals, worse only than Crystal Palace and Ipswich, while the only clean sheet was recorded in the Champions League against Azerbaijan's Sabah FK.