According to a report by FootballTransfers on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Manchester United have decided to keep Michael Carrick as manager because senior club officials have failed to reach an agreement over his potential replacement.

Carrick has been given another opportunity to improve United’s disappointing season ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The 45-year-old appeared to be on the verge of losing his job after senior figures at the club, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and chief executive Omar Berrada, discussed his future following a series of disappointing results.

United have managed just two victories from their opening 12 matches this season, increasing the pressure on Carrick and raising concerns about his ability to bring consistency to the team.

However, disagreements over who should replace him have prevented the club’s hierarchy from reaching a unanimous decision on whether to make a managerial change.

Technical director Jason Wilcox is reportedly backing Eddie Howe, who has been available since leaving Newcastle United before the start of the 2026-27 campaign.

Howe is understood to be open to taking charge at Old Trafford. He previously built his reputation at Bournemouth, guiding the club from League Two to the Premier League across two spells before leading Newcastle to the Carabao Cup in March 2025.

Meanwhile, United’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, is reportedly supporting Julian Nagelsmann as an alternative candidate, having previously worked with the German coach at RB Leipzig.

Nagelsmann is also available after leaving his position as Germany manager following the 2026 World Cup. His achievements include winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich in the 2021-22 season.

Carrick was appointed United’s permanent manager in May after an impressive interim spell helped the club finish third in the Premier League last season.

Despite retaining support from sections of the fanbase because of his successful playing career at Old Trafford, his position as manager is now facing serious scrutiny.

Captain Bruno Fernandes also criticised Carrick’s tactics following United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como last Wednesday. The Portuguese midfielder was subsequently dropped for the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.