Fabrizio Romano provides a major update on Michael Carrick’s Manchester United future, while revealing the latest on Nico Paz, Real Madrid’s buyback clause and potential United coaching candidates.

Michael Carrick gets Manchester United stay of execution

Michael Carrick’s future as Manchester United manager has come under further scrutiny this week following a 4-1 Champions League loss to Como. Romano has given the latest on the situation.

“Manchester United have had a very busy couple of hours, with internal discussions involving the directors, some of the players and also the owners,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“Obviously, it’s a very complicated situation. This defeat against Como, 4-1, is one of the biggest moments in a negative way in the history of Manchester United. It was a humiliation for Manchester United, not at the club’s level, but in terms of decisions.

“After waiting almost three or four hours more than usual, because normally Manchester United confirm much earlier the time and presence of the coach for the press conference ahead of a Premier League game, this time they waited a little bit longer.

“But now it has been confirmed that Michael Carrick will address the media in a press conference ahead of Manchester United’s game this weekend in the Premier League.

“So, what does it mean for Michael Carrick? The situation is still very complicated. It’s still very difficult. At Manchester United, they want to make sure they take the right decision for the long term.

“At the moment, the decision is not to decide. They want to wait and see what happens. This weekend is business as usual. That is the message coming from club sources.

“Manchester United will give Carrick more time, but internally they can also start reflecting in more depth about a potential future coach in case they need to make a change.

“If Manchester United believe after this game, in the next days or weeks, that they have to change the coach, they have to switch, they have to sack Michael Carrick, they want to make sure the next coach is the best option possible.

“So, deciding in 24 hours is not always possible. The decision now is, as I said, not to decide, but to wait and give Carrick more time. There is also the international break coming in November.

“But if Manchester United decide they have to make a change, they want to be sure they have identified the right manager.”

Fabrizio Romano names three Man Utd coaching candidates

“Many of you have been asking me about Fabian Hurzeler. I told you he has some fans at Manchester United on the board, but that’s it,” Romano continued.

“Manchester United have never made contact with Hurzeler and, at the moment, Fabian Hurzeler is completely and only focused on Brighton. There are no contacts ongoing between Manchester United and Hurzeler.

“Then, it’s important to say that Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte will all be mentioned internally in conversations because all three managers could be options for the Manchester United job.

“They are certainly candidates to follow, but with completely different views, completely different skills and completely different levels of experience.

“It’s going to be for Manchester United to decide what kind of coach they want to identify if they change, if they decide to proceed.

“So that is the decision of the club. But for sure, this is going to be an important topic in the next days and weeks.”

Nico Paz decision shows why Real Madrid may regret letting him go

Meanwhile, Nico Paz delivered an eye-catching display that further underlined his talent and how much of a coup it was for Como to complete a €66 million deal this summer.

“Nico Paz made the difference in the game between Como and Manchester United. He was the man of the match,” Romano added.

“UEFA have just announced their top players of the week. Number one is Phil Foden and number two is Nico Paz.

“Nico Paz is doing fantastic at Como this season. He has five goal contributions in three Champions League games for Como. That’s special. He is a top, top player.

“For Nico Paz, I wanted to remind you of a couple of things. First of all, congratulations to Como because they trusted this player and signed him.

“Last summer, when Real Madrid wanted to bring Nico Paz back, because Real Madrid wanted Nico Paz back and were counting on him as a new signing, it was Nico Paz himself, together with Como, who told Real Madrid that he wanted to stay.

“He is not rejecting Real Madrid at all. Nico Paz loves Real Madrid. But he said that, for him, it was better to be at Como, play all the games, develop, play Champions League football, be the No.10 and be the crucial player, rather than going to Real Madrid at a moment when he would be on the bench with so many quality offensive players.

“So, he decided to stay at Como. Como bought the player, made a big investment, and congratulations to them.

“Cesc Fabregas and people at the club went all-in to keep Nico Paz. It was not easy at all, but Nico Paz stayed at Como.”

Real Madrid still have an €80m buyback clause for Nico Paz

Chelsea are linked with a move for the Argentine, but overcoming Real Madrid to sign the playmaker will not be easy, as Romano explains.

“Real Madrid maintain a buyback clause for Nico Paz. It was an exclusive story I told you at the end of June or beginning of July,” he said.

“Real Madrid maintain a buyback clause of around €80 million. They maintain future control of the player.

“Obviously, they will still have conversations in 2027 to understand with Nico Paz and his camp what they want to do. It’s too early to talk about that.

“But I also want to tell Real Madrid fans that the club still has a sort of control and future power in negotiations for Nico Paz.

“That’s important because we are talking about a big fee of €80m, but Real Madrid also received around €60m from Como for Nico Paz. So basically, the balance is around €20m difference.

“But it’s also important to mention that Nico Paz is growing into a top, top player, one of the best players in Europe right now.

“Let’s see what is going to happen in terms of his future. Como are loving life with Nico Paz. Nico and Fabregas’ connection is fantastic, so everything is great between them.

“That is a very clear point. We have to understand what is going to happen with his future, but for sure Como are enjoying Nico Paz and Real Madrid are still keeping a close eye on him.”