Michael Carrick’s future at Manchester United is hanging by a thread, with the club’s disastrous start to the season showing little sign of improvement.

Despite an impressive interim spell and guiding United to third place in the Premier League last season, Carrick has struggled to build on that success.

The Red Devils have recorded just two victories in their opening 11 competitive matches, beating newly promoted Ipswich Town 5-2 and Azerbaijani side Sabah FK 4-0.

Neither result has offered much reassurance about United’s ability to compete against stronger opposition.

Wednesday’s humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat against Como felt like the final straw for many supporters.

United were comprehensively outplayed by Cesc Fabregas’ side, conceding after just 118 seconds before collapsing in the second half.

Nico Paz scored twice, while Anastasios Douvikas and Jacobo Ramon added further goals. Joshua Zirkzee’s stoppage-time consolation did little to disguise the embarrassment.

United have now gone seven matches without a victory, with Carrick’s position increasingly uncertain.

As we previously covered, United have already begun identifying potential replacements, including Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann.

With speculation surrounding the manager intensifying, Manchester United have now officially confirmed a recruitment deadline.

Manchester United set official deadline

Manchester United have advertised a permanent Senior Manager, Commercial Development position, with applications closing on 5 November 2026.

According to the club’s official careers website, the successful applicant will work within United’s Sales and Partnerships department.

The London-based role involves supporting senior commercial executives, developing sponsorship strategies and identifying opportunities to increase revenue.

Responsibilities also include overseeing competitor analysis, improving commercial operations and providing updates to the club’s chief executive and ownership.

The appointment is unrelated to Carrick’s managerial position, although it comes during a period of significant uncertainty at Old Trafford.

United’s immediate priority on the pitch remains Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Bournemouth, with Carrick desperate to end his side’s winless run.