The two reasons Man Utd have given Carrick shock second chance

Carrick keeps his job after a crisis meeting; United's executives cannot agree on a replacement and fear compensation costs for alternatives like Howe.

Michael Carrick will remain Manchester United manager for Saturday's trip to Chelsea, despite the club's worst Premier League start in 40 years and widespread expectation he would be sacked on Monday.

After a crisis meeting involving senior executives and co-owners Sir Ratcliffe and the Glazers, the decision was made to give Carrick a reprieve. CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox concluded they could not dismiss him until a suitable successor was lined up. Dismissing Carrick and his coaching staff would cost the club considerably on top of millions already spent on severance for previously sacked managers. The club also noted that Carrick retains backing from a large majority of supporters, with fan applause for him at the weekend not going unnoticed.

Eddie Howe remains the top candidate for Wilcox, but Newcastle compensation for releasing him mid-contract is a significant obstacle. Compensation for Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler or Aston Villa's Unai Emery would be more than five times higher, making both almost unaffordable. Julian Nagelsmann is preferred by head of recruitment Christopher Vivell but is considered unlikely due to his lack of Premier League experience. With no clear consensus on a replacement, United have decided to give Carrick time to turn the situation around.