Michael Carrick is set to remain in charge of Manchester United for Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth, although senior figures at the club are concerned about recent performances and results. Carrick is carrying on as normal and has not been notified of any imminent change following a 4-1 defeat by Italian side Como.
Concerns Over Performance and Squad Level
Some individuals within Old Trafford believe the squad should be performing at a much higher standard. One source told BBC Sport that the team must work hard to overcome their current difficulties. Another source acknowledged that the current injury list does not help, but stressed that injuries are no excuse while describing the team’s effort levels as concerning. The source added that the club possesses a Champions League squad and needs to operate at that level.
Despite these performance worries, certain members of the United hierarchy believe that constantly changing managers in recent years has failed to halt the club’s decline. They feel Carrick has been let down by under-performing players. Even so, club sources indicate that while Carrick stays in the dugout for Sunday, United have already started identifying potential replacements.
Managerial Candidates and Recent Turmoil
Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte, and Julian Nagelsmann are understood to have their eyes on the Old Trafford job. Howe is available and would be considered, with sources indicating the former Newcastle boss is open to returning to management with United after leaving St James’ Park in the close season. Both former Chelsea boss Conte and ex-Germany manager Nagelsmann are also out of work and interested. Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler also hold high stock among United’s leadership, though extracting them from their respective clubs would present difficulties.
Following the Como match—marking United’s seventh consecutive game without a win—captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned Carrick’s tactics. The players received Thursday off before returning to Carrington on Friday, where Carrick is scheduled to hold a news conference at 1330 BST to preview the Bournemouth fixture. While uncertainty surrounds Carrick’s future, some quarters appreciate the progress he and his squad achieved last season and argue he deserves more time to reverse the team’s fortunes.
Recurring Struggles and Responsibility
For the third consecutive year, United publicly and financially backed a manager during the summer, yet positive results have eluded them. The team has endured two wins from 11 matches across all competitions this season, marking their worst winless run since an eight-match stretch under Louis van Gaal in 2015-16. As head coach, Carrick bears significant responsibility for the poor form, compounded by a lack of passion, desire, and intensity, alongside defensive vulnerabilities that have produced only one clean sheet all season.
The dressing room environment has also faced disruption through explosive post-match comments from experienced defender Lisandro Martinez criticizing recruitment, alongside Fernandes’ criticism of Carrick’s tactics. These incidents follow a previous interview by Erik ten Hag regarding broken promises and a toxic culture, painting a picture of a club lacking control, discipline, and strategic direction. Senior figures question overall recruitment decisions—such as bolstering the midfield in the summer rather than securing striking support for Benjamin Sesko or left-back competition—while maintaining that the players share heavy responsibility.
The close proximity of Sunday’s fixture complicates any immediate managerial change. United do have an upcoming midweek clear of matches due to their EFL Cup elimination by Brighton, which would theoretically allow time to assess the situation without immediate matchday pressure. Bournemouth visit Old Trafford following their first Premier League victory under new manager Marco Rose last week, setting the stage for a crucial weekend as uncertainty continues to surround Manchester United.
Source: BBC Sport
