Why Man United 'racked by indecision' over Michael Carrick future

Manchester United have been racked by indecision over the future of Michael Carrick. Numerous sources say there is a sense that no one was actually willing to make a call on the manager, a problem compounded by the fact they have “little idea” over a replacement.

In fairness, there are questions and debates over all of the main alternatives. United are understood to be much less sold on Eddie Howe than perception would have it. Sebastian Hoeness is highly rated, but his appointment would still involve a huge Ruben Amorim-like leap from Stuttgart. Fabian Hurzeler might struggle without Brighton’s structure amid higher stakes, and there are doubts over whether United can even afford the compensation. Cesc Fabregas is impressing at Como but isn’t going anywhere for now, and is viewed as Mikel Arteta’s eventual successor at Arsenal.

Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer8 November 2026 12:35

Good afternoon and welcome

Manchester United remain in a ‘will they, won’t they’ situation as they prepare to host Aston Villa in the Premier League and their last match before the international break.

Michael Carrick has so far survived the thrashing at Como, the humiliation at Bournemouth and the unravelling at Chelsea, while finally ending United’s nine-match winless run by beating Roma in the Champions League in midweek.

But will that be enough? Or can Unai Emery’s Aston Villa give United another day to forget and leave the Old Trafford hierarchy with a decision to make over the upcoming fortnight.