Carrick clings on at United after chaotic 4-4 draw leaves them in the relegation zone

Michael Carrick’s future as Manchester United manager is under renewed scrutiny after a chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford left the club deep in the Premier League relegation zone heading into the November international break.

United appeared set for another defeat before late goals from Patrick Dorgu and Joshua Zirkzee salvaged a point in stoppage time. The result, however, does little to ease the pressure on Carrick, with United now winless in their last nine domestic matches — a run stretching back nearly three months — and sitting a point below Coventry City and Nottingham Forest.

The draw follows a positive midweek result against AS Roma in Europe, which had briefly steadied the mood around Old Trafford. But the Villa stalemate has reignited calls for a managerial change, with the club’s hierarchy still divided over how to proceed.

United’s board previously opted against sacking Carrick following a defeat to Bournemouth last month, and sources suggest they remain uncertain about pulling the trigger now. Director of football Jason Wilcox is said to favour a replacement with Premier League experience, with former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe emerging as one candidate under consideration. However, Howe is reported to lack the full backing of others within the club’s leadership.

United’s next fixture after the international break is a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, a fixture that will do little to ease the pressure on Carrick regardless of the board’s decision in the coming days.