Manchester United's hierarchy will not rush a decision over Michael Carrick's future after the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa left the club in the relegation zone. Sky Sports News understands the club's bosses plan to use the international break to fully evaluate the season and reassess their options.
Carrick and his staff are due back at Carrington on Tuesday, with most players away on international duty. The breathing space allows for a full re-evaluation after one win in 11 games, 30 goals conceded in all competitions, and the worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
United's bosses feel Carrick over-achieved last season with a third-placed finish earning Champions League football, but believe the current players have woefully under-achieved. Three factors are giving the head coach an extended stay of execution: supporters are not calling for his sacking, the players retain support for him, and the board remains unconvinced that changing the head coach will solve the team's problems.
If they believed a change would help, they could already have moved for candidates such as Julian Nagelsmann or Eddie Howe. Instead, the review will ask why the decline has happened and how the club can collectively reverse it.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing