Michael Carrick stays in charge of Manchester United for Chelsea match

Manchester United will keep Michael Carrick in charge for Saturday's Premier League trip to Chelsea, giving him a chance to improve results after his future came under discussion, The Guardian reported on 27 October. Carrick led training at the club's Carrington base on Tuesday, according to Reuters. United are 16th in the table, one point above the relegation zone.

The decision follows talks among senior club officials on Monday, Reuters reported. Carrick reported for work as usual the next day and oversaw preparations for Chelsea. A club source told Reuters that Carrick and his players would have an opportunity to turn the situation around, with the immediate focus on Saturday's match and a response to their recent results.

Why United have kept Carrick for Chelsea

United have gone eight matches without a win in all competitions, Reuters reported. The Guardian put their broader record at two wins in 12 games and said Brighton had knocked them out of the Carabao Cup. Their league position makes the trip to fifth-placed Chelsea consequential for both the team and Carrick's position.

The decision marks a change from the uncertainty described in earlier coverage of United's discussions about Carrick's future. He has kept the job for the Chelsea fixture, although The Guardian said whether he could survive another poor performance and result at Stamford Bridge remains in doubt.

Who could replace Carrick if United make a change

The Guardian reported that Eddie Howe is Wilcox's preferred candidate if United decide to replace Carrick. It said the club would owe Newcastle about £3 million in compensation for Howe, plus a smaller sum for staff including his assistant Jason Tindall. The agreement stems from the terms settled when Howe left Newcastle in July, according to the newspaper.

United's recruitment director Christopher Vivell has been advocating for Julian Nagelsmann, The Guardian reported. Both Howe and Nagelsmann have featured among potential replacements in British media coverage, according to Reuters. Their consideration does not settle how long Carrick will remain in charge: United face Roma in the Champions League three days after Chelsea, followed by Aston Villa in the league the next Saturday.

Carrick, 45, played for United for 12 years, a history Reuters said still earns him goodwill among supporters. After the Bournemouth defeat, he said: ‘I totally understand the situation.’ His immediate task is to end the winless run at Chelsea while the club weighs the results that follow.