According to The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell, Carrick's position is temporarily secure, but ultimately, results will determine his future.

Manchester United's shocking 3-2 defeat to Brighton, despite leading, has exposed deeper issues beyond their current record of two wins, one draw, and three losses. A comprehensive review at all levels—players, executives, and ownership—is therefore necessary.

Regarding Carrick, there are currently no indications that Manchester United is preparing contingency plans for the head coach. Insiders say his position is secure for now, but ultimately, results will determine his future.

Football director Jason Wilcox, who has final say on such decisions, is believed to favor stability. Last season, Carrick led Manchester United to 12 wins in 17 Premier League matches, and consecutive defeats have only just begun this season.

However, Manchester United's performance in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Brighton was deeply concerning, particularly their defensive vulnerability against Brighton's attack. Players appeared to be jogging through their positions, leaving large defensive gaps, while the attack also lacked urgency.

This reflects a troubling trend throughout the season. Official Premier League data shows Manchester United ranks 18th in sprints (379), 19th in high-speed runs (1,364), and 14th in total distance covered (449.1 km).

These statistics inevitably raise questions about the players' physical condition. Whether this stems from training methods or individual fitness levels, improving physical conditioning is crucial for better results.

With Manchester United having conceded 10 goals in six matches, deferring defensive improvements until next year—as part of the club's annual squad-strengthening approach—appears problematic.

The signing of Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Carlos Baleba through straightforward deals (activating release clauses rather than complex negotiations for targets like Jarrad Branthwaite or Alex Scott) suggests the club's priority is Champions League qualification rather than title contention, which conflicts with Omar Berrada's stated ambition to win the Premier League by the club's 150th anniversary in 2028.

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