According to reports, Manchester United could yet make a U-turn on sacking Michael Carrick and keep the head coach beyond the international break.

Carrick has been on the thinnest ice at Man Utd for several weeks because the Premier League giants have had an embarrassing start to the 2026/27 campaign.

The club legend earned the permanent manager’s job after Man Utd qualified for the Champions League by finishing third in the Premier League last season, but results and performances have fallen off a cliff at the start of this season.

Carrick was not backed enough in this summer’s transfer window, but he has not got anywhere near enough out of his squad as they only have only three wins in 15 games this season in all competitions.

He retains fan support and some players have fought for him in results weeks, but his position should be untenable with Man Utd sitting 18th in the Premier League during the international break.

On Monday night, it was widely reported that Man Utd chiefs are now leaning towards sacking Carrick, with USA boss Mauricio Pochettino emerging as a serious option over Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann.

However, BBC Sport are reporting that Man Utd are unlikely to announce his sacking until Thursday, while he could stay if club chiefs ultimately decide to back him by appointing a new coach under him instead of bringing in a new manager to replace him.

The report explains:

‘Berrada and Wilcox will present their recommendation, though a decision on Carrick’s future may not come until Thursday.

‘Wednesday’s meeting in Monaco, which is where Ratcliffe is based, was planned and has not been organised to strictly discuss Carrick’s future. Though it is expected to focus on Carrick’s future, sources say one item set to be part of the talks is whether to bolster his coaching team.’

A contender to become a new Manchester United coach under Michael Carrick named

Earlier this week, our colleagues at TEAMtalk revealed that ‘sticking with Carrick remains a genuine option’, and ‘they are considering strengthening his coaching team with an additional appointment’.

And Bayern Munich coach Aaron Danks is said to be an option to fill this role.

The report claims:

‘Highly-rated Danks previously worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough, and United believe his coaching qualities could prove valuable if they decide to give their current manager further backing.

‘The possibility of adding another coach is one of several avenues being considered by Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada and other key decision makers, as United assess how best to get their season back on track.’