Man Utd ‘make Michael Carrick decision’ after Brighton defeat

The club's stance has been made clear.

The Brighton result was particularly painful, as it saw Michael Carrick’s side surrender a record that had stood for 50 years.

The Red Devils became the first United side since the 1970s to lose at Old Trafford after taking a 2-0 lead.

The defeat also leaves the club looking no further forward than they were 12 months ago, when they suffered a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town at the same stage of the competition.

Despite the week's events, reports have confirmed today that Manchester United are not yet considering replacing Carrick with a new manager.

According to the journalist Graeme Bailey: "Manchester United remain fully committed to Michael Carrick and have “absolutely no plans” to sack their head coach, with sources strenuously insisting that there will be no knee-jerk reaction to the club’s difficult start to the season."

Who is favourite to take over if Man United do eventually opt to sack Carrick?

According to bookmaker's odds, recently resigned Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is favourite to take over from Carrick, with Sky Bet rating the Englishman at a 15/8 chance of inheriting the Old Trafford dugout.

The former Burnley and Bournemouth coach brought the Magpies their first trophy in a generation at the 2025 Carabao Cup, before leaving St James Park just before the start of this season.

After Eddie Howe, current Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel is given a 3/1 chance of becoming Carrick's successor, with Paddy Power odds.

Former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann rounds out the three favourites, and is given a 5/1 chance, also from Paddy Power.

It remains to be seen if Manchester United press ahead and begin negotiations with any of the above coaches if Carrick's position becomes any more untenable.