Michael Carrick looks set to remain in charge at Manchester United. Photo: Manchester United / X
What does the future hold for Michael Carrick? The embattled Manchester United head coach faces a defining run of fixtures as speculation mounts at Old Trafford.
Carrick’s position is firmly in the spotlight amid United’s seven-match winless streak following the club’s 4-1 humbling at the hands of Como in the UEFA Champions League.
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Eddie Howe has reportedly emerged as the favourite to replace Carrick should the Red Devils make a change in the dugout, while former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte and ex-Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann have also been linked with the position.
Carrick responded to the growing scrutiny with an extraordinary five-minute monologue during United’s pre-game press conference, admitting the Premier League giants had lost their way but insisting he remained convinced they could recover.
The fixture list, however, offers little respite.
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United face Bournemouth, Chelsea, Roma, Aston Villa and Liverpool across their next five matches, a sequence that could prove significant for Carrick’s future as the club look to revive their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Manchester United’s next five fixtures
Manchester United v Bournemouth – October 25 (October 26 AEDT)
Premier League (Old Trafford)
United are back at home on Monday (AEDT), searching for their first victory in eight games before a difficult run against several high-profile opponents.
The Red Devils are 13th, one point ahead of 15th-placed Bournemouth.
Chelsea v Manchester United – October 31 (November 1 AEDT)
Premier League (Stamford Bridge)
A difficult trip to Stamford Bridge follows, with Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea standing in the way.
Alonso’s new-look Chelsea have shown plenty of promise with the Spanish icon at the helm, while United continue to regress in 2026-27.
Manchester United v Roma – November 3 (November 4 AEDT)
Champions League (Old Trafford)
Another Champions League fixture, and another Italian opponent.
After back-to-back losses on the continent, United will return to European action against a Serie A outfit continuing to impress with Gian Piero Gasperini at the helm.
Manchester United v Aston Villa – November 8 (November 9 AEDT)
Premier League (Old Trafford)
United’s final fixture before the international break will see Europa League holders Aston Villa travel to Manchester.
Unai Emery’s well-run Villa are a daunting task for a Red Devils team struggling to hit any real heights this season.
Liverpool v Manchester United – November 22 (November 23 AEDT)
Premier League (Anfield)
A mouth-watering trip to Anfield rounds out the five-game stretch, with United facing their fiercest rivals in one of the Premier League’s most demanding away fixtures.
Carrick would well be gone by then, but if not, it could go a long way in deciding the Englishman’s future.