Manchester United are unlikely to appoint another interim head coach if they decide to replace Michael Carrick in the coming weeks, it has been reported. Carrick’s position has come under growing pressure after he won just one of his last 10 games in charge.
Carrick still has support among the United hierarchy, although there is a lingering concern that changing the head coach would not necessarily change the team’s fortunes. The Champions League victory over Roma on Tuesday night has eased the pressure and lifted belief in both the dressing room and the boardroom. It was United’s first win in 10 matches in all competitions.
Even so, there is an understanding that one win on its own is not enough to turn a season around. United remain 17th in the Premier League, outside the relegation places only on goal difference. The nature of the victory was also chaotic. Although the players showed character to come back from 2-0 down, it took a re-taken Bruno Fernandes penalty to turn the tide. United’s bosses still have doubts about the team’s direction and its lack of consistency.
Carrick’s position and the club’s options
Carrick was given the top job on a two-year basis in May, after an excellent record as interim head coach that secured Champions League football. Many United fans called for their former midfielder to be given the role permanently.
United’s bosses nonetheless insisted on a period of due diligence, speaking to other candidates before appointing Carrick. It is thought the club would not want to repeat the process of using an interim head coach, as it seeks a longer-term strategy for its most important football role.
Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, who run United’s football operations, are still considering other options should they decide a change is needed. The international break next week offers a chance to take a breath and reassess. There is a feeling, however, that Sunday’s game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford will be a key one for Carrick’s future.
Villa’s move for Emery
Aston Villa have announced they are close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Unai Emery, and a new long-term strategy with the Spaniard and his staff at the heart of their planning. This is a blow to United. Emery was high on United’s list of potential targets, admired for twice securing Champions League football and for winning the Europa League in May, the club’s first European trophy in over four decades.
There has always been a realisation that it would be difficult and expensive to prise Emery away from Villa Park, especially mid-season, and Villa’s owners are adamant he is going nowhere. As a result, United have remained open-minded about other candidates, with Julian Nagelsmann, Fabian Hurzeler and Eddie Howe prominent in their thinking.
United have not yet spoken directly to any other coach, as there is currently no vacancy. The preferred outcome on all sides is that results improve and Carrick remains in charge.