Michael Carrick will be "given more time to turn Manchester United's fortunes around," according to The Athletic, despite a miserable start to the season that has left the Red Devils with just seven points from their first eight Premier League games, their worst league start in 40 years.
The decision to stick with Carrick, reportedly led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls football operations, and director of football Jason Wilcox, comes despite a string of on and off-field problems. United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the third round after squandering a 2-0 lead at home to Brighton, while captain Bruno Fernandes publicly criticized Carrick's tactics following the Champions League thrashing by Como and defender Lisandro Martínez criticized the club's recruitment after the defeat to Atlético Madrid.
United's struggles continued with a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, though fans chanted Carrick's name as he walked from the bench to the tunnel, directing their frustration instead at the players.
No indication has been given of how long Carrick will be allowed to turn things around, and United's upcoming schedule offers little room for comfort.
A testing run of fixtures
United travel to Chelsea on Oct. 31. Xabi Alonso's side have been inconsistent but have averaged more than two goals per game in their first eight league matches.
Roma visit Old Trafford in the Champions League on Nov. 3, with United already facing back-to-back defeats in the competition. The Italians are unbeaten in Serie A this season and nearly beat Real Madrid earlier in October.
Aston Villa, winners of seven of their last eight matches, then travel to Manchester on Nov. 8 before the international break.
Should Carrick remain in charge beyond that point, United will face Liverpool away after the break, followed by a Champions League trip to Sporting CP on Nov. 25 and a home game against Brentford three days later.
The report arrives days after a separate report from the Mirror said United would not dismiss Carrick ahead of the Bournemouth match despite the Como defeat, while naming former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann as a potential replacement who was said to be open to the move should United later change manager.
