Man Utd yet to make decision on Carrick's future

The 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday means United, who are 18th in the table, have made their worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years. The draw was Carrick's third match in charge since the board decided to give the 45-year-old more time to improve the side's form after a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on 25 October.

They are determined to do exactly that, knowing the results - one win, one draw and one defeat - and performances United have delivered in the past three games offer a mixed view of Carrick's tenure. Conceding eight goals, winning only once and dropping into the relegation zone are obvious negatives.

However, it is also felt fighting back from two goals down three times over the past two games showed that the players remain behind Carrick. United's heirachy explored the possibility of replacing Carrick after the loss to Bournemouth last month, with ex-Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann considered.