Carrick survives for now at Man Utd as board opts for thorough review over international break

After the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on October 25, Michael Carrick's job at Manchester United looked all but gone. But the club's hierarchy gave him more time, and in the three matches since, the club has had a mixed run of one win, one draw and one defeat.

Many feared Carrick might no longer be in the dugout for the Premier League match against Liverpool on November 22. For now, however, the board has put any decision to sack him on hold.

Instead of making an immediate change in the dugout, the hierarchy has chosen to use this international break for a thorough analysis of the whole season. Only then will a decision be taken on the current head coach's future.

Manchester United have made their worst start to a Premier League season. Despite a dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, coming from behind twice, the team sits 18th in the table — their worst position at this stage of a season in 40 years.

After rescuing a point with two late goals against Villa, Carrick and his players were given Monday off. The head coach will return to Carrington on Tuesday with his backroom staff, while most of the first-team squad have left to play for their countries.

For now the club has little on its schedule, and the hierarchy wants to use the opportunity to reassess the team's performances.

Although United have won only one of 10 league matches, Sky Sports reports that three fundamental reasons leave the club torn over parting with their former midfielder. First, there has been no demand from supporters so far for his dismissal.

Internal sources also say Carrick has not lost the dressing room. Coming from two goals down to fight back in two matches within a week suggests the 45-year-old coach is doing the right work in lifting the players' morale, and the board understands the players remain committed to Carrick's ideas.

The decision-makers at United are also still not convinced that a change in the technical area alone would end the club's troubles. Had they thought so, they would have dismissed Carrick sooner and turned to Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe, who are on the list of possible candidates. Both are currently out of work and are said to be willing to talk if a vacancy opens up.

Apart from deciding Carrick's future, United's main challenge is strengthening their weak defence. They have conceded 19 goals this season, with only Crystal Palace and Ipswich having conceded more.

They have kept only one clean sheet this season, against Sabah FK in the Champions League. A decision on Carrick's future is expected before the Liverpool match after the international break.