Respected insider Fabrizio Romano has shared critical information regarding Michael Carrick's future as Manchester United's head coach after a disappointing start to the 2026/27 season.
The club legend was appointed on a permanent basis ahead of the summer transfer window, as INEOS executives decided to stick with him after he exceeded expectations by taking over from Ruben Amorim and leading the team to a third-place finish, securing a spot in the Champions League. However, the new season has begun unusually poorly for the 45-year-old, with the Red Devils managing just five points from their first five Premier League fixtures, leading to an exit from the EFL Cup.
This has resulted in significant pressure on Carrick and his squad ahead of their upcoming league clash against Tottenham. With results proving to be inconsistent, speculation has arisen around a potential approach for Antonio Conte, who has managed both Spurs and Chelsea. The Italian tactician has hinted at his willingness to take the reins at Old Trafford, yet Fabrizio Romano underscores that the INEOS owners continue to back their current manager.
“Manchester United are sending clear signals of confidence in Michael Carrick for one main reason: the club believes that the players are 100% behind the coach, and there is no division or unrest within the squad,” Romano stated in an interview with Affidabile.
Nevertheless, Romano acknowledged that three losses, two draws, and just two wins (against Ipswich and Sabah) in the last seven matches do not offer a comfortable safety net for Carrick. Should the results fail to improve, clouds could gather above Old Trafford. Discussions behind the scenes have already brought Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann — who is currently available following his departure from the Germany national team — into the frame. The Red Devils had previously considered the German coach a couple of years ago. Still, the club is firmly holding on to Carrick, hoping to turn the trend around starting with the home game against Tottenham.
Romano also quelled rumours regarding Conte's return to Serie A. According to him, there have been no direct talks with Juventus recently, as their sporting director Giovanni Carnevali has full confidence in Luciano Spalletti. Meanwhile, Milan, where Conte's presence at the San Siro during a match against Benfica sparked a wave of speculation, is set to give Ruben Amorim time, with the club's owner Jerry Cardinale agreeing that building a new team requires patience. Romano suggests keeping an eye on forthcoming vacancies at national teams, as intriguing shifts are expected in the coming weeks.
