The signals from Old Trafford vary hour by hour, ranging from possible new owners, whether the new stadium will be dropped or not, whether Michael Carrick will be fired or not, whether director of football Jason Wilcox will be fired or not, or whether he will be promoted and become director of it all.
One thing is for sure, as long as Manchester United are below the red line in the Premier League and the risk of relegation has not been removed, something has to happen. The last thing is that Manchester United are considering bringing in a new manager to strengthen Michael Carrick’s support staff – if they choose to keep him.
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The name that has long been admired at Old Trafford is Bayern Munich coach Aaron Danks.
TEAMtalk writes that Manchester United are considering bringing in a new coach to strengthen Michael Carrick’s support staff if they decide to keep him.
Manchester United’s management, led by director of football Jason Wilcox, will hold high-level talks at Carrington this week, with Carrick’s future at the top of the agenda.
The club had always planned to assess the situation during the international break – but they go into it with their worst start to a Premier League season ever, and are now in 19th place.
Relegation zone and pressure
United are in the relegation zone with just one league win in their first ten games, and the pressure is mounting on Carrick as the club weighs whether to make another managerial change.
Wilcox and his recruitment team, including recruitment manager Christopher Vivell, have been considering potential options. Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been seen as a leading candidate by Wilcox, while Vivell is known to admire former Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.
Antonio Conte has also made no secret of his desire to take over at Old Trafford, while Unai Emery and Cesc Fàbregas are among those admired in the wider football operation.
Additionally, a flood of nightly games has made Mauricio Pochettino the new favourite to replace Carrick. However, keeping Carrick remains a real option, with Wilcox ultimately holding the key decision.
Bayern coach on the radar
If they keep Carrick, strengthen his coaching staff with an extra hire. The name that has long been admired at Old Trafford is Aaron Danks – currently a key part of Vincent Kompany’s coaching staff at Bayern Munich.
Danks previously worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough, and United believe his coaching qualities could prove valuable if they decide to give their current manager further support.
The possibility of adding a new manager is one of several tracks Wilcox, CEO Omar Berrada and other key decision-makers are considering, as United look at how best to get the season back on track.
The match against Liverpool awaits
Carrick’s position has come under increasing scrutiny after a disappointing run of results, although Sunday’s remarkable 4-4 draw with Aston Villa provided a reminder of the team’s ability to fight back. Two goals in injury time helped United salvage a point, but the result hid little of the challenge Carrick faces.
After the game, Carrick admitted that he expects to get the chance to fight on at Old Trafford, after seeing positive signs. United now have a big decision to make during the international break: Wilcox and his senior colleagues are weighing whether a change of manager or further support for Carrick is the way forward.
The next game after the break could hardly have been more important – a giant clash against arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield awaits on November 22.
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