Manchester United's players are expected back at Carrington on Tuesday, but the club's top brass have yet to determine whether Michael Carrick will still be leading the session. The uncertainty follows a chastening 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, United's eighth game without a win across all competitions.

Carrick was present at Carrington on Monday, watching the under-21s face Hull City in a closed-doors fixture, while first-team players took a scheduled day off. Behind the scenes, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox held talks at the training ground, discussing next steps following the weekend's damaging result. The ultimate decision, however, rests with the United hierarchy — including owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

A season spiralling out of control

Sunday's capitulation compounded an already desperate run of form. United sit 16th in the Premier League, having collected just seven points from seven matches — one point above the relegation zone — representing the club's worst-ever start to a top-flight season under Carrick's watch.

The Bournemouth defeat also saw Carrick make the striking call to drop captain Bruno Fernandes to the bench. Fernandes had publicly challenged Carrick's tactics following the 4-1 Champions League thrashing by Como, and his demotion signalled a clear breakdown in the relationship between manager and player.

Why swift action has not followed

Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett suggested the delay in any formal announcement reflects the club's desire to secure a replacement before parting ways with Carrick.