Gerrard warns against sacking Carrick before Aston Villa clash and reveals staying condition

Steven Gerrard has issued a warning to Michael Carrick, the manager of Manchester United, stating that the upcoming clash against Aston Villa on Sunday could be decisive in determining his future with the team, given the mounting pressure he is facing due to negative results.

Michael Carrick has regained some calm after leading Manchester United to a 3-2 victory over AS Roma last Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, ending a run of nine consecutive matches without a win in all competitions. However, the English manager is aware of the need to build on this victory and achieve a positive result against Aston Villa.

Manchester United are currently 17th in the Premier League table, just outside the relegation zone on goal difference. They have collected seven points from their first nine matches, marking the club's worst start to a league season in 40 years.

According to the "Daily Mirror", Manchester United's management is already considering potential alternative names for Carrick, as sporting director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada have made exploratory contacts regarding Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, and Antonio Conte, despite the current coach being given one last chance before the international break.

Steven Gerrard stated in comments to "TNT Sports": "Sometimes the performance against a specific opponent and in a certain way is enough to give the board more confidence and hope. Michael is going through a tough time, and I believe the next league match is extremely crucial."

He added: "If he manages to win, everyone will think that these could be the first steps towards restoring the team's level. But everyone knows what a defeat in the last match before the international break can cause. If he loses after a run of nine matches without a win in the league, I think his situation could become very difficult."

Steven Gerrard has recently criticized the performance of seven players at Manchester United, stating they do not meet the required standard. He also pointed out that the club has not provided enough support for Michael Carrick in the transfer market, despite spending £155 million to sign three midfielders during the summer, without strengthening the left-back and striker positions despite the team's need for them.

In contrast, Gerrard stressed that Carrick is not the biggest problem within the club, considering that the crises Manchester United is suffering from go beyond the coaching staff.

He said: "A large number of coaches have passed through the club over the past five or six years, but they have not been able to change the course of the team. I believe José Mourinho was the closest to success, having finished the league in second place and won a European competition."

He explained: "The task is very difficult at the moment, because I don't think the problem is just with the coach. There is a group of players who have not consistently delivered the required level, and have not given this club enough, along with many issues at the management level as well."

He concluded: "I recently said that Manchester United are suffering from multiple issues, not just one problem, and I don't believe that Michael Carrick is the biggest problem at the club."