Michael Carrick’s position at Manchester United remains uncertain following the 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, GIVEMESPORT understands.

Man United considered sacking Carrick after they lost 4-1 to Como and 3-0 at home to Bournemouth in successive games, before deciding to give him until the international break to show an upturn in form.

United have since lost 2-0 at Chelsea in the Premier League, before they came from 2-0 down to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday, in what Carrick would have been hoping was a turning point.

The Red Devils got off to the worst possible start when they hosted Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, finding themselves 2-0 down after four minutes, and then 4-2 down after 53 minutes, but they twice reacted well to salvage a point in the dying seconds of the game.

Still, United have won just one Premier League match all season and lie in the relegation zone, with further boardroom talks now expected before they play again against Liverpool at Anfield a week on Sunday.

It has been calm at Carrington since the draw at Villa, but talks will take place to discuss the future of Carrick.

Should club chiefs decide that a change in the dugout doesn't need to be made, then GMS understands that one option is to add to the 45-year-old's coaching staff.

Aaron Danks is appreciated by the club, but he is also unlikely to leave Bayern Munich mid-season.

Danks worked under Carrick at Middlesbrough and is currently in charge of Bayern while Vincent Kompany recovers after collapsing, while he also had a two-game spell in caretaker charge of Aston Villa previously.

GMS also understands that United are unlikely to appoint another interim manager if they do decide to make a change during the international break, despite the success of Carrick in that role last term.

Which Managers Are in Contention to Replace Carrick if he Leaves?

Eddie Howe is one of the leading contenders, with the out-of-work manager available to start the role immediately having decided to part ways with Newcastle United in the summer.

Julian Nagelsmann is also appreciated by people at the club and, like Howe, is available after leaving his role as Germany manager in the summer.

Meanwhile, Unai Emery looks set to sign a new deal at Aston Villa having had his admirers on the United board, while GMS understands Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler doesn't want to leave, and his contract has no release clause.

And former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was considered prior to Ruben Amorim’s appointment, but has since signed a new deal with the USMNT.

Other options include Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi, who is the current head coach of Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

Man United will only need to make that decision if they choose to sack Carrick, with the upcoming talks during the break crucial to what happens next.