Michael Carrick fights for his Man Utd job: why Sunday’s Aston Villa game is so important

Updated 6 Nov 2026, 10:32 · First published 6 Nov 2026

Michael Carrick is fighting for his job as Manchester United manager, with Sunday’s home game against Aston Villa seen as a huge test before the international break. United are 17th in the Premier League, only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Will Carrick be sacked?

According to Sky Sports News, Carrick still has support from United’s bosses, and the club says there is “no current vacancy”. Football director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada would prefer results to improve so that Carrick can stay. But they are also looking at other options, and if they do make a change, they are not planning to bring in another interim boss.

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Who could replace him?

Julian Nagelsmann, Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe are said to be among the names United have been thinking about. Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was also seen as a target, but Villa are reportedly close to giving him a new long-term contract, so he is expected to stay.

How did it go wrong?

Carrick was given the job permanently in May on a two-year deal after a successful spell as interim boss, when he led United back into the Champions League. This season has been very different. United lost 2-0 at Chelsea last weekend, and they have won just once in the league so far. The Roma win in midweek gave fans a lift, but it was chaotic and it does not solve the problems in the Premier League.

Why is the Villa game so important?

After Sunday there is a two-week break for international matches. That is often when clubs decide to change managers, because a new boss gets time to work with the players. A defeat to Villa, who are 10th, would put more pressure on Carrick and could leave United in the bottom three.

Sources: Sky Sports News, AFP, Associated Press, Premier League.