Michael Carrick is reportedly set to be sacked by Manchester United, after Sunday’s dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa left the Red Devils in the relegation zone. There will reportedly be a meeting with the United hierarchy on Wednesday to discuss his future.
Although Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu rescued a point for United on Sunday, it meant United go into the international break 18th in the Premier League having won just once in their 10 league games so far. On Monday night it was reported by a number of journalists, including Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic’s David Ornstein, that Carrick was set to lose his job.
Although no formal decision had been made, work had been undertaken on potential replacements.
History Repeats As Scrutiny Increases
United fans can be forgiven for feeling like they are living in Groundhog Day as this looks set to be the third successive season under INEOS that the club are set to change their manager. Erik Ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024, just five months after the club triggered a one-year extension in his contract. His replacement Ruben Amorim was sacked in January this year.
The fact the club are in this situation yet again in such a short space of time has increased the scrutiny on sporting director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada with many fans insisting they should also be relieved of their duties.
How Did We Get Here?
Carrick was given the permanent job at Old Trafford after an interim spell which saw the club win 12 out of 17 games, beginning with victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. In fact, the 20-time English champions took more points than anyone else in the period.
The contrast so far this season couldn’t be greater. The 5-2 win over promoted Ipswich Town is the Red Devils’ only domestic win of the campaign thus far, with their only other victories being at home in the Champions League against Azerbaijani side Sabah FK and last week’s comeback against Roma. Their last away win came on 24th May at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Many believe that United’s flawed recruitment strategy has played a major part, with the club’s policy of only focusing on one position. This season it was midfield, meaning the lack of a striker or full back being heavily criticised.
Who Next For United?
It was initially expected Carrick would be dismissed after the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth earlier this month but the former midfielder seems to have run out of time. The big question is who will be the latest name to attempt to turn the club’s fortunes around?
Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte have all previously been linked with the job, while talkSPORT are among those reporting that former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is the leading contender for the job.
The current United States boss has long had admirers at United, although he signed a new contract after guiding the co-hosts to the Round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup. As such, it would likely require a significant compensation package to bring him back to the Premier League.
