Michael Carrick is expected to be dismissed as Manchester United manager following the team's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday. The loss left United 16th in the Premier League, just one point clear of the relegation zone.
Goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson condemned the Red Devils to a third defeat in four matches, extending their winless run to eight games across all competitions. Although fans chanted Carrick's name as he left the pitch before booing the players, it appears the former midfielder will bear the brunt of another poor performance.
United have won only two of their 12 league matches this season, collecting seven points from a possible 24. Their last top-flight victory came against newly-promoted Ipswich Town in August. This contrasts sharply with Carrick's earlier spell as interim manager, when he replaced Ruben Amorim and guided United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
United board ready to accelerate coaching change
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United's board are poised to speed up the process of bringing in a new head coach, with those close to the club widely expecting Carrick to be shown the door imminently.
Carrick appeared downcast after the final whistle against Bournemouth, sounding unsure whether he would remain in charge for United's trip to Chelsea next Saturday. Pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have both called on the club to dismiss Carrick after yet another dismal result.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United's hierarchy believe a shake-up is necessary to turn the club's fortunes around, with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe emerging as the frontrunners, reports the Mirror. The final decision on Carrick's successor is expected to rest with director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, who will present their recommendation to co-owner Ratcliffe.
Rhodri Giggs attacks Gary Neville
Rhodri Giggs, brother of Manchester United icon Ryan, has launched a foul-mouthed tirade against Gary Neville as the club's crisis deepens. Following the defeat to Bournemouth, the 49-year-old took aim at Neville and United's ownership, criticising the former England full-back for not challenging Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
In a message on X, he wrote: "Gary Neville you're an absolute w****r. Prime Pep couldn't get a tune out of this lot. Call your mate Jim [Ratcliffe] out who got us into this mess further. The owners are parasites and don't have a clue."
Ratcliffe's tenure at Old Trafford has been widely criticised since he completed a 27.7% minority stake purchase of the club in a deal worth £1.3billion in February 2024. If Carrick is sacked, Ratcliffe's INEOS regime will have had four permanent managers in less than three years, during which time he has faced criticism for cost-cutting measures and ticket price increases. The billionaire tax exile has also come under fire for his controversial remarks about immigration and the UK economy.
