An insider has revealed the real reason why Manchester United have not decided to sack Michael Carrick just yet.

Following an impressive spell as interim boss on the back of Ruben Amorim’s sacking, Carrick was handed the job on a permanent basis in the summer.

However, United have failed to perform so far this season, having collected just seven points from their opening eight matches, leaving them 16th in the Premier League table.

On the back of a 4-1 defeat by Como and a 3-0 home loss against Bournemouth, it was expected that Carrick would be replaced ahead of this weekend’s clash with Chelsea.

It was then reported on Tuesday morning that Carrick will remain in charge when the Red Devils travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Why Have Manchester United Decided to Keep Michael Carrick?

According to a report from The Sun's insider reporter Samuel Luckhurst, United had planned to sack Carrick this week following a string of poor results in both domestic and European competitions.

However, it is believed that the main United have decided not to sack Carrick just yet isn't because they have much faith in him turning things around, but rather that they just haven't been able to find a suitable replacement.

It has been reported that insiders stated that Carrick and the players ‘will have the opportunity to turn the situation around’. GIVEMESPORT also understands that cost is a factor.

With Carrick under immense pressure at Old Trafford, United have been linked with a host of different names, including the likes of Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte, Fabian Hurzeler and Unai Emery.

According to Sky Sports, ex-Newcastle United boss Howe and former Bayern Munich manager Nagelsmann are the frontrunners for the Old Trafford hot seat should United part ways with Carrick.

Gary Neville Reacts as Michael Carrick Keeps Manchester United Job

Reacting to Carrick being kept on as United boss, Gary Neville admitted that he was ‘surprised’ but ‘happy’ with the decision.

As reported by ESPN, Neville said on Sky Sports: “I am surprised, but I am happy because I was absolutely certain that what I witnessed on Sunday would be the end of Michael.

“It looked like he was walking round at the end on his own with the players behind him, like it was almost a goodbye lap, he is waving to the fans to say in almost an apologetic manner, but also a goodbye, so I am really surprised that ultimately Michael is still in a job.

“I am happy with it because the fact of the matter is it was very difficult on Sunday. How it is going to go over the next couple of weeks, I have no idea. But I hope he can get somehow those players to start playing for him again because they haven't played for him in the last few weeks.”