Fabrizio Romano: Man United have made Michael Carrick decision after poor start

Michael Carrick Backed by Manchester United Despite Slow Start as Left-Back Gap Remains

Manchester United have no immediate plans to change manager, despite a frustrating opening to the Premier League campaign that has left Michael Carrick under early scrutiny. Four points from four matches is an underwhelming return by any standard, and the 1-0 home defeat to Manchester City , against 10 men for part of the contest, has naturally sharpened focus around Old Trafford.

Yet the message coming from inside the club is calm rather than reactive. As reported by Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, United's hierarchy remain aligned behind Carrick and still believe he is the right man to lead the project forward. That backing appears significant given the wider context, with Carrick having secured the role permanently after steering the club to third place and Champions League qualification during his interim spell last season.

Manchester United hierarchy staying patient

The clearest indication from this update is that Manchester United are trying to avoid short-term thinking. "Man Utd absolutely remain convinced that the future will be bright under Michael Carrick," Romano said on his YouTube channel. That stance has not changed even after a poor run of early results, with senior figures viewing the current position as disappointing but not yet alarming.

There is also recognition internally that the squad did not emerge from the summer exactly as planned. United wanted to recruit at left-back, and Lewis Hall was admired, but the club ultimately stepped away when the preferred deal could not be completed. The feeling was that there was little value in making a signing for the sake of appearances, particularly in a position where quality and suitability were prioritised over speed.

Left-back issue still part of the wider picture

That missing addition matters. Balance in wide areas remains important to how Carrick wants his side to build attacks and control transitions, and a specialist left-back may have eased some of the current structural issues. It does not explain everything about the slow start, but it forms part of the backdrop to United's first month.

Romano also outlined that Carrick's confidence behind closed doors mirrors the tone he has struck publicly. "Carrick remains absolutely convinced too. What Carrick says in public – 'We are going to do very well, I am confident, this team is good' and all the rest – is what he's saying to the club.

"Carrick remains absolutely convinced that this team can do very well in the next weeks and months, especially after the break. So that's the feeling of Michael Carrick."

From a relaxed Manchester United fan perspective, this feels like the right call. It is far too early to start talking about sacking Carrick after four league games, especially when the club clearly appointed him with a longer-term idea in mind. If the board truly believed in him after last season, that belief should not disappear because of one bad month.

Supporters will not pretend the performances have been good enough. Four points from four games is poor, and losing at home to Manchester City always stings, whatever the circumstances. There is every right to question the level, the intensity and some of the in-game management. But there is also a difference between concern and panic.

The left-back issue stands out as something avoidable. If the club knew they needed one and failed to land the right player, that shortfall cannot be placed entirely on the manager. Carrick now has to find solutions with the group available, and that is part of the job, but recruitment and coaching are linked.

For now, the sensible view is to let this breathe. Carrick earned trust with what he did previously, and he deserves the chance to steady things after the international break. If results remain poor deeper into the season, the conversation changes. At this stage, patience feels smarter than noise.