Michael Carrick's future at Manchester United has become clearer after the Red Devils were beaten, again, on Saturday lunchtime

Michael Carrick had been given three games to turn around his Manchester United fortunes before his Chelsea loss on Saturday. The Red Devils were reduced to 10-men as they lost 2-0 to the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

United, as a result of the loss, have dropped into the relegation zone - but Carrick's job was not at risk over the weekend. According to journalist David Ornstein, the Red Devils had already mapped out a timeline for his future.

Speaking to NBC Sports, he said: "I think it was quite simply a show of faith in Michael Carrick, that continues to this day.

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"I'll tell our audiences that I would expect him to be in charge for both the Roma and Aston Villa games. And that's because when they had these deliberations, that you mention, they decided he would be in charge for the next three games.

"That they were backing him to try and bring an upturn and improve Manchester United's fortunes. Now, some people might look at it and say it's by default of there being no manager available that they want to go for.

"And, of course, we all know that if there was the dream target for Manchester United, they would probably go and get them. So the market is definitely a factor.

"But also an important factor is that Manchester United wanted to stick with Michael Carrick. They decided, after a process earlier this year, to give him the job permanently. They felt he earned it, and of course the market was a factor then as well.

"But I don't think they were ready to ditch it just yet, especially given how spectacular of a success he was for the first part of 2026. They also looked at the reaction of the players back at Carrington on the training ground.

"And they felt there was a realisation after they were booed off the pitch against Bournemouth that they were determined to put this right and they couldn't see off another manager immediately.

"And it was them who had to sort this out, they couldn't hide behind him. And so they decided genuinely to move forward with Carrick and give him a chance.

"They've not been speaking with other coaches directly behind his back, and they still believe he can bring about this upturn in the next week, however tough it is looking at this point.

"So Michael Carrick has been given this stay of execution because they believe in him and they don't think he is the biggest problem here."

United are back in action on Tuesday evening as they welcome Roma to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils currently 20th in the Champions League table.

One of their two wins has come in Europe this season, but they have since lost their next two clashes with Atletico Madrid and Como 1907.

And once they navigate their clash with the Roma a tough test against Unai Emery's Aston Villa awaits. It could be judgement day for Carrick next weekend, as fans will be hoping they don't sink further into the relegation zone.