Michael Carrick is not facing immediate dismissal as Manchester United consider how to respond to the team’s poor results.
The club’s sporting department is keen to avoid another change of manager, although owner Jim Ratcliffe could still intervene, as he has done previously.
The assessment is based on information from sources familiar with the situation at Manchester United, who spoke anonymously. Carrick’s position has been the subject of discussion because of the team’s recent performances, but there is no expectation that he will be sacked in the coming hours.
Sporting director Jason Wilcox has developed a good relationship with Carrick and understands the difficulties involved in managing the squad after a transfer window in which the owners limited the club’s ability to strengthen.
Manchester United have also been affected by a number of injuries, adding to the challenges facing Carrick and his team.
Some people close to Manchester United believe the priority should currently be to support Carrick while the club works through its crisis. They feel many of the team’s problems are linked to players making basic errors during matches.