Man United latest: Surprise striker signing considered as Sir Jim Ratcliffe angers Glazers

Carrick fights to save his job ahead of Chelsea clash with United winless in eight; Ratcliffe's cost-cutting frustrates the Glazers.

Michael Carrick faces a crucial test as Manchester United travel to Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime, seeking to end an eight-game winless run across all competitions. The interim manager has survived the axe so far despite a 4-1 Champions League loss to Como and a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, but pressure is mounting.

United's injury crisis has worsened with Benjamin Sesko unlikely to return until the new year after a shin injury proved more serious than expected, forcing Bryan Mbeumo to play out of position at centre-forward while Joshua Zirkzee remains out of favour. The club is considering January reinforcements, with Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin among the names discussed, though a deal appears unlikely given the rivalry and Calvert-Lewin's key role under Daniel Farke.

Behind the scenes, tension is growing between the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The minority owner's extensive cost-cutting measures since taking charge of football operations have failed to deliver on-pitch improvement, and the Glazers—who retain majority control—are reportedly frustrated, believing Ratcliffe "couldn't have masterminded a worse situation."