The major reason why Manchester United have decided to keep Michael Carrick as head coach

The major reason why Manchester United have decided to keep Michael Carrick as head coach Manchester United made a surprise decision over the future of head coach Michael Carrick. The English boss appeared to be heading for the exit door after Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth. But the club’s hierarchy decided to give Carrick a second chance to turn things around at Old Trafford. According to The i Paper , United had planned on sacking the 45-year-old this week but failed to settle on a replacement. Dismissing him will cost the club a significant amount, and so they want to make sure the next coach is fully interested and worth making a change for. For now, Carrick prepares to face Chelsea this Saturday at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are smarting after suffering a home loss to Tottenham Hotspur for the first time since April 2018. But Xabi Alonso’s men have fared far better than United this season, with the Londoners currently six points above their Manchester rivals. Who could replace Carrick? Eddie Howe is said to be the leading contender to become Man United’s new head coach. Director of football Jason Wilcox is in favour of appointing him due to his Premier League experience. Howe twice led the Magpies to Champions League qualification, and also ended the club’s 70-year wait for a major trophy with the 2025 League Cup success. But appointing him would cost United around £6 million in compensation to Newcastle. Unai Emery and Fabian Hurzeler are two other top names under consideration. Emery has transformed Aston Villa since taking over as manager in 2022. The Midlands club won the Europa League under him and twice secured Champions League qualification. Hurzeler have turned Brighton into a Premier League force this campaign, with the Seagulls sitting third in the standings with 16 points. But given the duo are doing so well at their present clubs, they are unlikely to jump ship in the middle of the season to manage United.