Man Utd players return to training as Carrick's future remains uncertain

Manchester United, the English Premier League football club, are due to return to training at their Carrington base on Tuesday, but it is still unclear whether head coach Michael Carrick will remain in charge. The uncertainty follows Sunday's 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth.

Carrick was at Carrington on Monday to watch the club's under-21 side play Hull City in a closed-door match. The first-team players had a scheduled day off. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox also met at the training base to discuss next steps. According to a Sky Sports reporter, no talks between Carrick and Wilcox are known to have taken place. The decision rests with the club hierarchy, which includes Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Results have worsened

In the Bournemouth game, Carrick dropped captain Bruno Fernandes to the bench. Fernandes had questioned the coach's tactics after a 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como. United have now gone eight games without a win in all competitions. They are 16th in the Premier League with seven points from seven matches, just one point above the relegation zone. The source describes it as the club's worst start to a Premier League season.

How Carrick got the job

Carrick was appointed head coach in January 2026 on a contract until the end of the season, after Ruben Amorim was sacked. He won 12 of 17 matches, finishing third in the Premier League and securing a return to the Champions League. In May he signed a new contract running to 2028.

Why a decision has been delayed

Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett suggested the club is most likely taking time to consider a replacement, as it wants to avoid sacking Carrick only to find the preferred candidate unavailable or no deal agreed. He also pointed to the club's awareness of Carrick's popularity among supporters, and its wish to handle any departure respectfully.