Man United weighing up Michael Carrick's future despite comebacks - sources

Manchester United's hierarchy are continuing to discuss Michael Carrick's position with club bosses keen to take their time before making a decision about his future, sources have said.

Carrick is under pressure at Old Trafford with United 18th in the Premier League table following Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

Club chiefs opted to back the 45-year-old following heavy back-to-back defeats to Como and Bournemouth last month.

Sources have said that the message to Carrick and the players was that they would get the opportunity to turn things around. The international break is being viewed as an opportunity to assess whether or not they have been successful.

Since the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Oct. 25, United have lost 2-0 to Chelsea, beaten Roma 3-2 and drawn with Villa.

There were positive signs in the first half at Stamford Bridge, the second half against Roma and during two fightbacks against Villa.

But the run of three games has also seen United concede eight times and fall two goals behind three times -- once to Roma and twice to Villa.

Sources have said that United believe comebacks against Roma and Villa point to a dressing room that is still behind Carrick.

The former England midfielder was also applauded off by supporters after the final whistle on Sunday.

However, any positives are set against a miserable start to the season which has included just one league win all season -- against newly promoted Ipswich in August -- which has left the club in the relegation places after 10 games.

United are next in action against Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22.