Michael Carrick may remain Manchester United manager through November
Club leadership lacks full confidence in potential successors, so a weekend defeat to Aston Villa might not trigger an immediate sacking.
06 November 2026, 20:20 — Michael Carrick may remain in charge of Manchester United at least until the end of November even if the Red Devils lose to Aston Villa this weekend.
Club officials reportedly do not yet have full confidence in any clear successor, which has reduced appetite for an immediate change. Eddie Howe is said to enjoy less backing than previously assumed, while Julian Nagelsmann’s standing has weakened inside the club amid reservations about his tenure at Bayern Munich.
Potential candidates and obstacles
Other names being discussed include Sebastian Henes, Fabian Hirzeler and Cesc Fabregas. Bringing Hirzeler in would reportedly require a substantial compensation payment to Brighton, while Fabregas — who has produced strong results with Como — is currently not planning to leave the Italian side.
That uncertainty over alternatives is one factor supporting Carrick’s position, alongside favourable advanced statistics and the character the team displayed in their 3:2 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League.
Because of those positives, the Premier League match against Aston Villa may not represent Carrick’s final chance to save his job — the club could allow him to remain in the role into late November while it weighs options.
Manchester United travel to face Aston Villa this weekend with scrutiny on the dugout, but the decision-makers appear to be seeking more clarity on potential replacements before making a managerial change.
Photo: press material from the event
