Manchester United round-up as Michael Carrick looks to build on the win over Roma and Avram Glazer speaks out
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick has bought himself more time(Image: Getty Images)
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The gloom surrounding Manchester United has been lifted slightly ahead of Sunday's home clash with Aston Villa. Michael Carrick's side looked on course for another damaging defeat when they trailed Roma 2-0 in the Champions League.
But United produced a sensational turnaround, capped by two late goals from Matheus Cunha, who was then sent off after two quick bookings for his celebration and a foul in added time. The Brazilian forward will serve the standard one-match ban after avoiding additional punishment for failing to go straight to the dressing room following his red card.
In Villa, United face a side improving under Unai Emery following their summer rebuild and slow start. Emery has been one of the big names mentioned as a potential Old Trafford boss if Carrick is sacked. However, that now looks unlikely, with the Spanish boss on the verge of signing a new contract at Villa Park.
A win, coupled with a strong performance, would further strengthen Carrick's position as United head into the international break. Here's a round-up of the latest news from Old Trafford…
United's manager stance
United reportedly plan to avoid appointing another interim boss if Carrick is relieved of his duties. The club has made a habit of hiring stand-in managers in recent years.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was one before landing the job permanently. When he was sacked in November 2021, Ralf Rangnick took over for the rest of the season. Carrick, of course, was an interim boss himself over the second half of last season.
But according to Sky Sports, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, who run United's football operations, would want a permanent manager rather than a stop-gap if they move on from Carrick.
The report adds that the United hierarchy would adopt a 'long-term' approach, knowing their next appointment will be absolutely critical. For now, Carrick retains their support.
Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox
Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox would reportedly take a long-term approach to the club's next manager(Image: Getty Images)
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Glazer speaks out
Co-chairman Avram Glazer has said the club's commercial power does not rely on trophies. Addressing financiers at Deutsche Bank's Sports Investment Conference in London, Glazer compared United to the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys, franchises that can maintain a global standing in the absence of on-field success.
As reported by The Athletic, the comments underscore ownership's belief that United's marketability remains bulletproof, even as pressure mounts on its leadership. The comments will not go down well with United fans, who renewed their protests against the Glazers, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and club executives during the victory over Roma.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Avram Glazer
Avram Glazer and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have come under fire from United fans(Image: Getty Images)
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Some 3,000 green and gold balloons were released before kick-off, while tennis balls were hurled onto the pitch. Chants of "We want the Glazers out" continued after the final whistle.
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