Michael Carrick will remain in charge of Manchester United for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea, despite growing concern over the club’s disastrous start to the season.
BBC sources say the 45-year-old has been given an opportunity to turn the team’s fortunes around, with the match taking place at Stamford Bridge on 31 October 2026.
Carrick oversaw Manchester United training on Tuesday morning as the players prepared for a fixture that could bring an end to an eight-match winless run in all competitions. The team will travel to face Chelsea after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday.
That result increased the pressure on Carrick and left Manchester United 17th in the Premier League, just one place above the relegation zone.
The club’s hierarchy had discussed whether to dismiss Carrick and appoint a new manager. Eddie Howe, the former Newcastle United manager, and Julian Nagelsmann, the former Germany head coach, were among the possible candidates considered.
However, BBC sources have confirmed that Carrick, the former Middlesbrough manager, will lead Manchester United against Chelsea. He will also be allowed time to improve the team’s results and recover its form.
The decision comes with Manchester United facing a difficult immediate challenge. Their eight-game run without a victory has affected their position in the Premier League, while the defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford further intensified questions about Carrick’s future.
Despite those concerns, the club has decided not to make a managerial change before the Chelsea match. Carrick will therefore oversee preparations for the trip to Stamford Bridge and take charge of the side in Saturday’s encounter.
Chelsea and Manchester United will meet in the Premier League on 31 October 2026, with Carrick continuing in the role while the club assesses whether he can guide the team away from its current difficulties.
