It feels like only a matter of time for Michael Carrick.

We thought he was a goner after the Como humiliation. Nope. Then the Bournemouth disaster. He survived. And then surely Chelsea was the final straw? Apparently not.

Carrick is truly clinging onto his position for dear life, and while there are many who feel for him as he is clearly the fall guy for the disastrous directors upstairs, the results just haven’t been good enough.

You can’t fail to win a match in nine games and expect to keep your job. He somehow has done so, but this run can’t last any longer.

If United loses tonight, Carrick could well go. If not, then the Aston Villa clash at the weekend become his next big final.

Either way, this is a crucial week in the Englishman’s tenure.