IN THE BOTTOM THREE & IN THE DARK: Man Utd go into their clash with Aston Villa this afternoon sitting in the relegation as Michael Carrick remains unsure about whether he'll be in charge beyond Sunday's game

Michael Carrick has been given no assurances that he will remain as Manchester United boss after their clash with Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Ahead of kick-off the Red Devils do find themselves in the bottom three following Coventry's win. Incredibly they are just two points off being bottom of the Premier League.

They still have just one win to their name, that coming over Ipswich back in August, and they're in the midst of a poor run that could be extended by Unai Emery's side. As a result Carrick's future has come under serious threat and the United board know they could be forced into acting.

This is already United's worst ever start to a Premier League season but it could reach new lows if they find themselves in the relegation zone come November's international break.

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The upcoming pause in the domestic game is also traditionally when clubs would opt to make a change in the dugout, given the extended time to prepare for their next game. Carrick has continued to field questions over his future, but insists he's been given no assurances, nor does he need any, reports The Sun.

In midweek United calmed the noise somewhat, although only after coming back from 2-0 down to beat Roma 3-2. Questions have been raised over whether that can be a turning point, or whether it simply covered the cracks that have been exposed all season.

Carrick, who was only given the job permanently in the summer, could yet be the third man axed by the Ineos hierarchy, who themselves have come in for huge criticism. The United boss though has maintained he doesn't need any kind of refresh despite the upcoming break.

"I think international breaks are always a time when, talking about the players that aren’t going away and for the staff, I think there is a little bit (of time) to re-energise and freshen up," he said.

"I think some of the players that go away in internationals, they get freshened up in a different environment, so there is an element of that, but I don’t really need it. I’m fine as I am."

United face a huge clash on their return to action later in November, heading to Anfield to face arch rivals Liverpool.