Michael Carrick will stay as Manchester United manager for this weekend's trip to Chelsea, BBC Sport has learned, despite the club exploring replacements following a disastrous start to the season.
The 45-year-old will remain in charge after Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth sparked uncertainty about his future. United have won just one of eight Premier League matches this season and sit one place above the relegation zone. The club has not won in eight matches across all competitions.
United's hierarchy have considered alternatives including former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is also admired at the club, though he remains under contract at Villa Park. Howe would require a multi-million pound compensation payment to Newcastle after resigning with three years left on his deal.
Carrick took temporary charge in January after Ruben Amorim's departure and earned the permanent job in May following an impressive run that secured third-place Champions League qualification. He signed a two-year contract last May.
The decision to back Carrick comes despite mounting pressure. Defender Lisandro Martinez criticised the board's investment in the squad following a 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid. Captain Bruno Fernandes then publicly criticised Carrick's tactics after a 4-1 defeat to Como in the next European fixture. Fernandes was dropped to the bench for the Bournemouth loss and did not play.
After the Bournemouth match, supporters chanted Carrick's name as he left the pitch, though they directed boos at the players once he had gone. Carrick gestured back to supporters and later described his mixed emotions about the reception.
"It wasn't a farewell from me," he told Sky Sports. "I'm feeling it for my players. They're going through a tough spell."
United's director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada were both pictured at the training ground on Monday as discussions about the club's direction continued. Carrick oversaw training on Tuesday morning as preparation for Chelsea began.