Michael Carrick’s start to the season as Manchester United manager has drawn heavy criticism, with a recent Express Sport poll showing that a narrow majority of voters believe the club should sack him now.
The Red Devils have won just two of their opening seven matches across all competitions. Their only Premier League victory came against Ipswich Town, while a Champions League win over Sabah FK provides the other bright spot. Defeats to Manchester City and Hull City in the league stand out as low points, as does squandering a two-goal lead against Brighton in the League Cup. Draws away to Everton and Fulham have done little to quieten the noise around United’s poor start.
Poll split on Carrick’s future
According to the Express Sport poll, 53 per cent of voters said Carrick should be sacked during the ongoing international break. The remaining 47 per cent said United would be foolish to cut ties this early in the season, indicating substantial lingering support for the Englishman.
Carrick was appointed on an interim basis at the turn of the year to replace Ruben Amorim, who was sacked after a dismal run of form. He helped turn United’s fortunes around and guided them into the Champions League, but the early signs this season have not been positive.
Potential replacements and tough run ahead
United have been churning through managers of late, and the odds on Carrick being the next to be sacked have been slashed in recent weeks. Eddie Howe is being tipped as a candidate, having left Newcastle United in the summer. Other currently unemployed managers include Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte, who recently left the German national team and Napoli respectively.
Assuming Carrick sees out the international break, his first task upon domestic football’s return will be a home match against Tottenham. After that, United face a tough schedule including matches against Atletico Madrid, Leeds, Bournemouth, Como, and Chelsea before the end of October.
