The Evening Standard reports that Carrick's future as Manchester United head coach remains in focus, and today's Premier League match against Aston Villa could determine it.
Pressure has been mounting on Carrick after a disappointing start to the season, and the situation worsened on Saturday night.
Manchester United hadn't even played, yet they dropped into the Premier League relegation zone after Nottingham Forest beat Manchester City at the City Ground.
However, a Champions League comeback victory against Roma on Tuesday night temporarily saved Carrick's position at Old Trafford. The former Manchester United midfielder knows he is far from out of danger.
According to The Athletic last week, Manchester United's management discussed Carrick's future after a 0-3 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth on October 25.
It was widely believed at the time that Carrick would be sacked, and Manchester United's league position continued to slide after a 0-2 Premier League loss to Chelsea.
However, both parties agreed that Carrick would remain in charge for the matches against Roma and Aston Villa, after which his situation would be re-evaluated before the international break.
Although Carrick ended a nine-game winless run with a thrilling victory over Roma, the pressure has not disappeared. The first half on Tuesday night was disastrous, and Manchester United could easily have been 0-3 or 0-4 down by halftime.
Of course, the second half also showed that the players were still fighting for Carrick. Matheus Cunha got overly emotional after scoring twice to turn the tide and was ultimately sent off.
Some believe Manchester United have now regained much-needed momentum, but it feels like only a victory against Aston Villa on Sunday will be enough for Carrick to keep his job.
But would a draw against Aston Villa be enough? That question may only be answered after the final whistle, as Manchester United could still be in the relegation zone going into the international break, at which point Carrick's position would become untenable.
Reportedly, among Manchester United's football leadership, CEO Omar Berrada and Football Director Jason Wilcox hold the decision-making power over Carrick's future.
Both were at Stamford Bridge last weekend and at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with reports also claiming they have taken part in discussions about potential successors.
Carrick held a crisis meeting with Berrada and Wilcox after the AFC Bournemouth match, and the three are expected to meet again at Carrington after the Aston Villa match, together with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
If Carrick is sacked by Manchester United, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are the leading candidates to succeed him.
Both have been out of work since leaving Newcastle United and the German national team respectively this summer, but Howe's Premier League experience could be a decisive factor if Manchester United truly opt for a change of manager.
According to The Guardian, Wilcox currently favors Howe, but Manchester United's Christopher Vivell is very keen on Nagelsmann. This could lead to a power struggle at board level.
However, German media outlet Bild reports that Bayern Munich are interested in hiring Vivell, which could alter the plans.
Furthermore, if Manchester United eventually pursue Howe, they would only need to pay Newcastle United a £6 million compensation fee.
Although Paul Scholes believes Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hürzeler could be Manchester United's next head coach, Hürzeler himself has ruled himself out.
Antonio Conte has clearly expressed his interest in returning to English football. However, Unai Emery's chances seem slim, as the Spaniard is about to sign a new contract at Villa Park.
Interestingly, Sky Sports reports that if Carrick is dismissed, Manchester United will not appoint an interim manager, indicating that the club has contingency plans for an immediate managerial change.
Even more surprisingly, as more details about Carrick's future emerge, it is reported that Didier Deschamps has rejected an approach for the Manchester United manager's job.
The latest unexpected name mentioned is Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß, whose appointment would also be considered a significant gamble.
Ngu_Coleman
0
Manchester united will buy time by defeating Aston Villa
Mjusi09
1
I really like Brighton coach but I believe he strive because of good management