Manchester United are continuing to back Michael Carrick despite their worst start to a league season in 40 years, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Carrick has overseen just one victory in United’s opening six Premier League matches, leaving the club with six points and sitting in the bottom half of the table.
United have also been eliminated from the League Cup, increasing the pressure on Carrick ahead of a difficult Champions League trip to Atlético Madrid.
However, Romano reports that the club’s hierarchy are not currently preparing to dismiss the former United midfielder.
Players remain behind Carrick
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said Carrick’s position remains “under control” and that United are continuing to give him time.
The club also believe the dressing room remains supportive of the head coach despite the disappointing results and performances.
“Manchester United are still giving time and confidence to Michael Carrick,” Romano said.
“Inside Manchester United, they feel that the players are still with Michael Carrick.”
That internal support could prove important as Carrick attempts to reverse United’s alarming run of form.
There is currently no indication that INEOS have opened formal negotiations with a potential replacement.
Tottenham draw increases pressure
United’s latest setback came in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead in the 73rd minute before Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for an altercation with Luke Shaw.
Despite holding a numerical advantage, United failed to control the closing stages and conceded a stoppage-time equaliser when Dominic Solanke headed home Sandro Tonali’s cross.
Tottenham had entered the match without a Premier League victory this season, making United’s inability to secure three points particularly damaging.
The result left United with six points from six league matches. Their worst opening since the 1986/87 campaign.
Conte reports played down
Italian reports have claimed that former Chelsea, Tottenham and Napoli manager Antonio Conte could replace Carrick.
One report suggested that Conte was already working towards an agreement with United, but there is no reliable evidence that formal negotiations have started.
Romano’s update directly challenges suggestions that a managerial change is imminent.
Nevertheless, he warned that the coming matches will be important in determining whether Carrick retains the confidence of the hierarchy.
United’s current return is “not acceptable”, Romano said, adding that the team must quickly “change the rhythm”.
Atlético Madrid begins defining period
Carrick’s immediate challenge is Tuesday night’s Champions League match away to Atlético Madrid.
United won their opening European game 4-0 against Sabah FK, but Atlético are expected to provide a significantly more difficult test.
Carrick will be without Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo, who suffered injuries during the draw with Tottenham.
A positive result in Madrid could reduce the pressure and give United momentum ahead of another demanding run of domestic fixtures.
For now, Carrick retains the backing of both the club and his players. But with United’s league campaign already in danger of slipping away, that support will depend on performances and results improving before the next international break.
