Michael Carrick arrives at Carrington as Man Utd executives meet in Monaco
Carrick’s position as head coach appears under severe threat after overseeing the club’s worst start to a campaign since 1986.
Michael Carrick attended Manchester United’s training ground on Wednesday morning with club executives set to discuss his future at a meeting in Monaco.
Carrick’s position as head coach appears under severe threat after overseeing the club’s worst start to a campaign since 1986, leaving the Red Devils in the Premier League relegation zone over the international break.
He was photographed driving into the club’s Carrington training base on Wednesday but his fate is set to be determined at a meeting 800 miles away in Monaco, where co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will hold talks with United chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Carrick is widely expected to lose his job, with United States coach Mauricio Pochettino understood to be interested in the post if it becomes available.
The former Tottenham and Chelsea boss signed a contract with US Soccer through to 2030 just three months ago, and is currently preparing the American national side for CONCACAF Nations League matches against Haiti in the November international break.
The former Argentina international has held talks with United in the past and is keen on the job this time, but hefty compensation would be due to US Soccer.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is admired, while ex-Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann were linked a fortnight ago when United seriously considered replacing Carrick.
A 4-1 Champions League loss at Como and 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth left the head coach’s job hanging by a thread, but the club decided to give him the opportunity to turn the situation around.
Carrick’s side subsequently lost 2-0 at Chelsea, where they were unable to take their chances and saw Lisandro Martinez sent off, before last Tuesday’s thrilling 3-2 Champions League comeback win against Roma.
A scarcely believable 4-4 draw against Aston Villa followed on Sunday, after which the head coach stressed he would not walk away.
“It’s been a right mixed week or two or three, really, if you’re looking at the events,” Carrick said. “But I’m pretty clear where we need to go and how we need to get there.
“Obviously some of the boys will be flying off around the world and different things, and the group will be split for 10 days or so.
“But as a normal international week is, you know, we’ll have some training. We’ll have one or two days off, but not too much. But we’ll train, and we’ll get ready for the next game.”
United return to action with a Premier League trip to rivals Liverpool on November 22.