Manchester United 'make Michael Carrick sack decision' after key transfer window failure

United have taken just four points from their opening four Premier League matches and suffered a 1-0 home defeat to 10-man Manchester City on Sunday, albeit Erling Haaland’s winning goal coming in controversial fashion.

The result increased pressure on Carrick, who was handed the permanent job at Old Trafford at the end of last season after guiding the club to third place and Champions League qualification during his successful interim spell.

However, journalist Fabrizio Romano says Man Utd remain fully behind Carrick and have no intention of making a change at this stage.

Michael Carrick

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“Man Utd absolutely remain convinced that the future will be bright under Michael Carrick,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.

“Man Utd absolutely know that maybe the point about the summer transfer window was to add one more player, a left-back. They tried. It was not possible to proceed with the right options. United didn’t want to sign just to say: ‘OK, we signed one.’ They wanted to be convinced about the player they were going to sign, and so that’s why nothing happened.

“But they maintain total faith and confidence in Michael Carrick. They only have four points in four Premier League games, so obviously this is disappointing in terms of results, but Man Utd remain convinced about that.”

United had attempted to strengthen at left-back during the summer - with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall their dream target - but ultimately decided against making a signing as they were unable to land their top target.

The former Manchester United midfielder also remains convinced that his side can turn their season around, despite the early setbacks.

Romano continued: “Carrick remains absolutely convinced too. What Carrick says in public – ‘We are going to do very well, I am confident, this team is good’ and all the rest – is what he’s saying to the club.

“Carrick remains absolutely convinced that this team can do very well in the next weeks and months, especially after the break. So that’s the feeling of Michael Carrick.”

Carrick therefore appears safe for now, with United’s hierarchy prepared to give him more time to improve results and performances.

The defeat by City was another setback, but the manager retains INEOS’s confidence.