Manchester United club sources say this week's training schedule was planned a month ago and, while they accept Michael Carrick's treatment this week doesn't look great, they are not sure what else they could have done given the situation.

United felt justified in handing Carrick a two-year contract in May after he won 12 games out of 17 as interim boss to secure qualification to the Champions League and sources stress the 45-year-old's "leadership and achievements" since January will always be appreciated and recognised.

However, there is a brutal reality of a current situation where United are 18th and in a relegation place going into a trip to Liverpool on 22 November. Internally, as well as externally, this is viewed as "unacceptable".

Sources say senior figures at the club share the level of "frustration and anger" of fans at recent performances and the league position. leading to the belief a change had to be made immediately.

Many felt Carrick should have gone after the 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on 25 October, which followed straight after the Como horror show - that 4-1 defeat followed by Bruno Fernandes' post-match outburst.

The club wanted to give Carrick a chance to turn the situation round, but while there was a stirring 3-2 victory against Roma, a decent first-half showing at Chelsea and two two-goal comebacks to snatch a draw against Aston Villa, United's hierarchy did not see enough to convince them the side were on the right path.

While there has been huge criticism externally of United's transfer business in the summer, Old Trafford insiders are adamant the current squad is far better than performances and results so far this season have indicated and believe a different approach will trigger the necessary improvement.

Outsiders may be sceptical but high-level officials are adamant everything possible will be done to build a club worthy of what is stated as "immense support".