Michael Carrick retains Manchester United backing despite Champions League defeat

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick retains support of the club’s hierarchy despite Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid. 

The Red Devils produced a much-improved display in Spain after the frustrating draw against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend. 

United created several goalscoring opportunities, but failure to convert those chances meant they returned empty handed from the away game. 

Pablo Barrios opened the scoring in the first minute before Ademola Lookman added another late on to secure Atletico their first European win. 

Pressure on Carrick is mounting, with the club winless in their previous five matches across all competitions. 

However, per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the English boss is not under any immediate danger of getting sacked. 

The club’s hierarchy are right behind Carrick and want him to succeed at Old Trafford. 

The 45-year-old was impressive during his interim spell at United. 

He took charge of the club in January and led them to a third-placed league finish and qualification for the Champions League. 

It felt natural that Carrick should be given the permanent job. 

But since his appointment, results have been disappointing this campaign. 

United are in the bottom half of the Premier League table, picking up six points from six games. 

They became the first English side to lose in the Champions League this season after Tuesday’s defeat.