Manchester United are unlikely to appoint an interim head coach if they decide to part ways with Michael Carrick in the coming weeks, Sky Sports News has learned. Despite growing pressure on the manager, there remains a degree of support for him within the club's hierarchy.

Senior figures at the club, including football operations chiefs Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, have expressed concern that a change in the dugout would not automatically reverse United's poor form. The club are currently 17th in the Premier League, sitting above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Champions League reprieve

Tuesday's Champions League win over Roma offered a temporary lift — the first victory in 10 matches across all competitions. The result boosted morale in both the dressing room and the boardroom, though senior officials acknowledge that a single win is far from sufficient to rescue a struggling season.

The manner of the comeback also raised eyebrows. United recovered from 2-0 down in chaotic fashion, with a re-taken Bruno Fernandes penalty proving decisive. While the fighting spirit suggests the squad remains committed to Carrick, doubts persist about the team's direction and lack of consistency.

Carrick's appointment and what comes next

Carrick was handed a two-year contract in May after an impressive stint as interim head coach — a spell that secured Champions League qualification and earned him widespread backing from supporters who wanted to see their former midfielder take the role permanently. United's hierarchy conducted a thorough process before making that appointment, and they are reluctant to go through another interim phase as part of a longer-term vision for the club's most important role.

The international break next week is expected to provide space for reflection, making Super Sunday's Premier League fixture against Aston Villa at Old Trafford a defining moment for Carrick's tenure.

Emery out of reach

United's search for contingency options has been complicated by news that Aston Villa are close to tying Unai Emery down to a new long-term contract. Emery had ranked highly on United's list of potential targets, admired for guiding Villa to two Champions League campaigns and a first European trophy in over four decades — the Europa League title won in May. Villa's ownership, however, has consistently made clear the Spaniard is not for sale, particularly mid-season.

With Emery effectively off the table, United's decision-makers have kept their options broad. Julian Nagelsmann, Fabian Hurzeler, and Eddie Howe have all featured in internal discussions as names worth monitoring.

Crucially, United have held no direct talks with any alternative candidate, as there is no official vacancy. The preferred outcome, for all parties, remains the same: results improve, and Carrick stays.