Manchester United have no plans to sack Michael Carrick despite their difficult start to the 2026/2027 season.
The Red Devils have struggled to find good form in the opening weeks. However, the club’s management still believes Carrick deserves more time to change the team’s fortunes.
INEOS continues to back the 45-year-old manager after his strong work last season. Carrick helped Manchester United return to the Champions League while he was in charge as interim manager.
His results since taking the permanent job have been less impressive. Even so, the club is not ready to make a quick decision about his future.
Michael Carrick Still Has the Club’s Support
Carrick earned plenty of credit during his spell as Manchester United’s interim manager.
The former midfielder won 11 of his 16 matches in charge. That run helped United finish third in the Premier League and secure a place in the Champions League.
Those results played a key role in the club’s decision to appoint him as permanent manager in May 2026.
The new season has brought a different challenge.
Manchester United have won only two of their first seven matches in all competitions. As a result, they currently sit 12th in the Premier League table.
Such a start would normally create pressure around a manager. However, INEOS is not ready to react after only a short run of poor results.
The club still values what Carrick achieved last season. His previous record has given him some time to find a solution.
INEOS Does Not Want a Quick Change
Manchester United are reportedly not planning an immediate change in the dugout.
A report cited by Sports Mole states that the club has no plan for a sudden reaction to the poor start. Instead, INEOS wants to see whether Carrick can improve the team in the coming weeks.
This approach gives the manager another chance to prove himself.
Carrick now needs to find a way to bring back the level of football seen during his interim spell. Better results would also help ease the pressure around his position.
The club’s patience, however, may not last forever.
Another poor run could lead to a change in the situation. Results over the next few weeks and months are likely to play an important role in how Manchester United view Carrick’s future.
Fabian Hurzeler Enters the Conversation
While Manchester United are still backing Carrick, another manager has reportedly started to attract attention.
Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler is said to be one of the possible options if United eventually decide to make a change.
The German coach has made a positive start with Brighton. His team currently sits third in the Premier League and has already collected three wins.
Brighton also produced one of their biggest results with a 3-0 victory over defending champions Arsenal.
That result has added to Hurzeler’s growing reputation.
For Manchester United, his work at Brighton could make him an interesting name if the club needs a new manager. However, there is currently no indication that United are close to making such a move.
Carrick remains the man in charge at Old Trafford.
Manchester United Could Pay £15 Million for Hurzeler
Hiring Hurzeler would also not be a simple task for Manchester United.
Brighton are unlikely to want to lose their manager in the middle of the season. The club is enjoying a strong run, while Hurzeler remains an important part of its plans.
Manchester United could reportedly need to pay close to £15 million in compensation to bring him to Old Trafford.
That cost would be another factor for the club to consider before making a decision.
A mid-season change would also bring other challenges. United would need to adapt quickly to a new manager, his ideas and his way of working.
For that reason, Hurzeler should currently be seen as a possible option rather than an expected replacement for Carrick.
Carrick Has an Important Chance to Turn Things Around
The message from Manchester United is clear for now: Carrick still has the club’s support.
The manager has time to improve the team and show that last season’s success was not a one-off.
His main task will be to help United climb the Premier League table and return to winning ways.
The next few matches could be especially important for that process.
Here are some of the key factors that could affect Carrick’s future:
- Manchester United’s results in upcoming matches.
- The club’s position in the Premier League.
- The team’s overall performances.
- Carrick’s ability to restore confidence within the squad.
- Whether United can return to the level shown last season.
A strong run of results could quickly change the mood around Old Trafford. On the other hand, more poor results would increase questions about the manager.
Manchester United Still Back Their Manager
Michael Carrick’s position at Manchester United remains safe for now.
INEOS has chosen to give him more time rather than make a quick decision after a difficult start to the 2026/2027 campaign.
The club has good reason to remain patient. Carrick helped Manchester United finish third last season and return to the Champions League after an impressive interim spell.
His current results have not matched that level, but the season is still developing.
Carrick now has the chance to change the story. Better performances and more wins would strengthen his position and reduce the pressure around his job.
At the same time, Manchester United will continue to watch the results closely. If the poor run continues for several weeks or months, the club could reconsider its plans.
For now, though, there is no move to replace Carrick. The Manchester United manager has been given another opportunity to turn the team’s season around.
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