Amid an awful run of form, Manchester United is still standing by manager Michael Carrick. For now, at least.
Carrick will once again be on the sideline on Tuesday, Nov. 3 when the Red Devils face Roma in the Champions League. For many, Carrick's continuity is something of a mystery.
After all, the club's recent form shows that something is seriously wrong at Old Trafford.
United fell 2-0 to Chelsea on Saturday, Oct. 31, making it nine consecutive matches without victory. It's the club's longest winless run in 38 years. Overall, United has just two wins in 13 matches this season.
With just seven points from nine Premier League games this season, United is only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference. So how has its manager survived?
Why hasn't Manchester United fired Michael Carrick?
According
to The Guardian, Carrick “came close to losing his job" after a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, but he was ultimately given another chance to turn things around. United lost to Chelsea in its next game.
The November international break is quickly approaching, with the club reportedly opting to postpone any decision over Carrick's future until then.
Following Tuesday's Roma match, United will face Aston Villa on Sunday, Nov. 8. Its next match won't be until a Nov. 22 date with Liverpool, which could be Carrick's finale.
Other potential stumbling blocks to a Carrick firing reportedly include the club's lack of consensus on a replacement and the continuing fan support for Carrick.
What did Michael Carrick say about being fired?
Ahead of the Roma match, Carrick was asked whether he feels as though he has two games remaining in his tenure.
"No, not at all," Carrick responded. He then added: "You never know what is going to happen in the future, but that doesn't change the way I feel."
"I can't wait for the game tomorrow," Carrick said later. "You might think I'm crazy with the results we've had, but I can't wait for it."
Who could replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United?
United director of football Jason Wilcox prefers former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe to replace Carrick, per The Guardian.
Germany and Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is also among the contenders, with United’s director of recruitment Christopher Vivell reportedly a fan of his fellow German.
Nagelsmann and Howe are both unattached and would therefore be easier to hire than other rumored contenders like Aston Villa's Unai Emery and Brighton's Fabian Hürzeler.
Other names mention include former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and England manager Thomas Tuchel.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why hasn't Man United fired Michael Carrick? Explaining manager's future
