Manchester United’s disastrous start to the 2026/27 season has left the club facing another major decision over its managerial direction.

The Red Devils have struggled to find any consistency, with defensive frailties and costly individual mistakes repeatedly undermining their performances.

Their latest Premier League encounter against Aston Villa provided another example of the problems facing Michael Carrick, despite his players showing tremendous character to fight back.

United found themselves 2-0 down inside the opening four minutes before eventually rescuing a point in a remarkable 4-4 draw at Old Trafford.

The result followed a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea and a 3-2 comeback victory over Roma, highlighting the inconsistency that has defined Carrick’s spell in charge.

With United sitting 18th in the Premier League and having collected just eight points from their opening 10 matches, the pressure on the 45-year-old has reached another level.

BBC confirm Manchester United to sack Michael Carrick

According to BBC Sport, Manchester United are expected to sack Carrick, with senior club officials preparing to recommend his dismissal to the club’s ownership.

The club had initially decided against removing the Englishman following the damaging 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

Instead, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox wanted to give Carrick additional time, with the November international break identified as the ideal opportunity to review his performances.

However, the latest results have done little to convince the hierarchy that the situation is improving.

BBC Sport reports that Berrada and Wilcox are now expected to recommend to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family that a managerial change is necessary.

Carrick was given three additional matches following the Bournemouth defeat, but his record during that period has been mixed.

United lost to Chelsea, defeated Roma and then shared the points with Aston Villa, with their defensive problems remaining a major concern.

The comeback against Villa demonstrated the fighting spirit within the squad, particularly after Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu scored in stoppage time to secure a draw.

However, conceding four goals at home further highlighted the difficulties Carrick has encountered in organising his defence.

The search for a potential successor has also been underway for some time, with several managers already linked to the vacancy.

Former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann were reportedly sounded out by United during October.

Howe is understood to have attracted particular interest from Wilcox, while Nagelsmann is another name under consideration.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is also open to taking the position, while Antonio Conte is reportedly keen on the opportunity to manage at Old Trafford.

United now have the international break to settle on their next move, with their next Premier League assignment coming against rivals Liverpool at Anfield.