Manchester United are unlikely to appoint another interim head coach if they decide to replace Michael Carrick in the coming weeks, it is understood. Carrick’s position has come under growing pressure after he won only one of his last 10 games in charge, although he still retains support within the club’s hierarchy.
The Champions League victory over Roma on Tuesday night has eased the pressure for now and lifted belief in both the dressing room and the boardroom. It was United’s first win in 10 matches in all competitions. Some within the club still harbour concerns, however, that changing the head coach will not necessarily improve the team’s fortunes.
A fragile reprieve
There is a clear recognition that one win on its own is not enough to turn a season around. United remain 17th in the Premier League, just outside the relegation places on goal difference. The Roma game was also chaotic. The team came back from 2-0 down, which suggests the players still back Carrick, but it took a re-taken penalty from Bruno Fernandes to turn the match. United’s leaders still have doubts about the team’s direction and its lack of consistency.
Carrick’s appointment and the search for stability
Carrick was given the job on a two-year contract in May, following an impressive spell as interim head coach that secured Champions League football. Many United fans wanted their former midfielder appointed permanently at that point.
United’s bosses nonetheless insisted on a thorough process, speaking to other candidates before they settled on Carrick. The club is thought to be reluctant to repeat that approach with another interim head coach, preferring a longer-term strategy for its most important football role.
Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, who run United’s football operations, are still weighing up other options should they decide a change is needed. The international break next week offers a chance to pause and reassess, and there is a feeling that Sunday’s home game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford will be a key match for Carrick’s future.
Villa’s move on Emery
Villa have announced they are close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Unai Emery, with the Spaniard and his staff central to the club’s long-term plans. That development is a blow to United, as Emery was high on their list of potential targets. They admire the way he has twice secured Champions League football and delivered Villa’s first European trophy in more than four decades, the Europa League in May.
United had always recognised that it would be difficult and expensive to prise Emery away from Villa Park, particularly mid-season, and Villa’s owners have been adamant he is staying put. As a result, United have remained open-minded, with Julian Nagelsmann, Fabian Hurzeler and Eddie Howe all prominent in their thinking.
So far, United have not spoken directly to any other coach, as there is currently no sense of a vacancy. The preferred outcome on all sides is that results improve and Carrick remains in charge.