David Ornstein issues Michael Carrick update that no Man Utd fan wants to hear before Aston Villa clash

David Ornstein says he does not know of a 'clear alternative plan' in place for if Manchester United decide to part company with Michael Carrick after Sunday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

Carrick has remained in charge of the club despite a run of seven Premier League matches without a win that sees United sitting in the relegation zone before they take on Villa.

Some salvation arrived in the form of a superb 3-2 comeback win over Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday but, with the Villa fixture being the last before the upcoming international break, it could prove to be vital for Carrick's future. But that may not necessarily be the case, it seems.

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David Ornstein gives Michael Carrick future update

Speaking on USA Network before United versus Villa at Old Trafford, Ornstein says there does not appear to be a 'firm plan' over who United will approach to replace Carrick if a change is made.

"I think the truth is that they do want Michael Carrick to succeed," Ornstein stated. "If they wanted to remove him and make a change, I think they would have already done it by now and found an interim solution.

"With that result in midweek against Roma, there was a bit of improved spirit, and let's see what happens against Villa today. I think the truth is there isn't a firm plan here at Old Trafford for what to do if they make a change.

"No doubt they will have had conversations with representatives in recent weeks, and they will have more time to do so over the international break. A disastrous result today, and maybe you think there will be a change.

"But as things stand, they're continuing with Michael Carrick. I don't know of a clear alternative plan."

The sole hope for all United fans will be that Carrick gets the results he needs to push them up the table as a first priority - but there will surely be a point, if results do not improve, where a decision has to be made.

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Who are the contenders to be the next Man Utd manager?

Names linked with potentially taking over from Carrick, if a change is made, including a pair of out-of-work managers in Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann.

According to reports, United's director of recruitment Christopher Vivell wants to appoint Nagelsmann, the former Germany and Bayern Munich coach, while technical director Jason Wilcox is said to prefer Howe, who left Newcastle in pre-season after four-and-a-half years in charge.

Antonio Conte has distanced himself from speculation linking him with any club as he continues his time away from football after leaving Napoli at the end of last season, while ex-England boss Gareth Southgate says he has no intention of returning to football management currently.

Speaking ahead of the Villa fixture, Carrick said he had not been offered any concrete assurances about his future as United head coach - but hadn't been given any suggestion he could be replaced either.

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"Just carry on as absolute normal," he told reporters, on what United chiefs had told him. "Maybe three or four senior players will be in and around [the training ground], but we'll certainly train next week [during the international break] and have the weekend off.

"Whatever happens, what's going to happen is going to happen in terms of the game, and we've got to prepare right. Looking forward to it. I said the other night I was really looking forward to the game [against Roma] going into it. I genuinely was.

"Playing at home on the back of the other night, the supporters hopefully looking forward to coming and energised and feeling good about what they might see. And we've got to repay that."