Carrick's future questioned: does his contract have a break clause?

Manchester United's contract situation for manager Michael Carrick came under scrutiny in the third month of the new Premier League season. Carrick was appointed permanently in May. The former United midfielder had taken the team to third place in the Premier League and into the Champions League during his second spell as interim manager.

However, the start to the season has been poor for the club. The team has won only two of its first 12 matches. After Sunday's defeat to Bournemouth, fans' anger first turned toward the players and the board. However, it is thought that responsibility for the results will sooner or later fall on the manager.

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook suggests that Carrick's dismissal is close. According to Crook, Carrick signed a two-year contract after securing Champions League qualification in the summer. The reporter said it is believed that a termination clause, a break clause, was added to that agreement.

This claim could be interpreted as United not viewing Carrick's tenure as a long-term one. The club's management has not yet made an official statement on the matter.