Carrick admits he has no guarantee of Manchester United job beyond international break

Michael Carrick has admitted he has received no assurance from Manchester United’s hierarchy that he will still be in charge after the November international break, with the club’s decision-makers yet to confirm his position following a turbulent run of results.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League visit of Aston Villa to Old Trafford, Carrick was asked directly whether he had been told he would remain in charge beyond the forthcoming break. “No, no. Just carry on as absolute normal,” he replied.

The uncertainty follows a nine-game winless run that prompted sporting director Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox to hold talks about Carrick’s future after a heavy defeat to Bournemouth last month. A 3-2 Champions League win over Roma earlier this week temporarily eased the pressure, but the international break is understood to represent a natural juncture at which the club could act if they choose to make a change.

Carrick confirmed that players not called up for international duty will return to training during the break, though the exact schedule remains fluid. “I’m not exactly sure yet because some call-ups haven’t been confirmed yet, maybe three or four maybe senior players in and around it, but we’ll certainly train next week and maybe have the weekend off,” he said. “We’ll see how that develops, who’s left behind, who’s with us and what they need, but there’ll certainly be training next week.”

The United head coach insisted he personally has no need for the respite the break might offer, while acknowledging its value for the squad. “I think international breaks are always a time when, for the staff, there is a little bit to re-energise and freshen up. I don’t really need it. I’m fine as I am.”

Carrick also addressed the psychological toll a difficult run places on players, stressing that mindset and momentum are central to any recovery. “A huge chunk of that is your mindset, your mentality, your confidence, and that feeling that you have,” he said. “Momentum within games, momentum day-to-day, week-to-week, game-to-game — it’s huge.”

Sunday’s match against Aston Villa at Old Trafford now takes on added significance, with the result likely to inform whatever decision United’s leadership reaches during the break.