Manchester United have been told they are "going nowhere" and that Michael Carrick "must" take a strong stance on captain Bruno Fernandes. The manager is under increasing pressure to avoid the sack at Old Trafford and has been urged to handle himself more firmly.
United sit outside the relegation zone only on goal difference after picking up one win in nine league games. Following the loss at Chelsea on Saturday, they are winless in nine and have lost their last three games in all competitions.
Two decisive fixtures ahead
After looking set for the sack following the defeat to Bournemouth, Carrick has two massive games to turn United's season around. The first is against Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, before they take on Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, the final game before a two-week international break.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, outspoken Dorking Wanderers owner and manager Marc White defended Carrick by criticising the hierarchy he has to manage under, but urged the club legend to be strong in his principles and decisions.
White's criticism of the hierarchy
White said: "I don't know how these people can go and sit in their seats and think they're doing a good job, they're off their heads.
"There's been new people arrive at the club that obviously are well publicised, that have achieved absolutely nothing, bringing in multiple directors of football, managers, all sorts of money being spent, and they've literally gone nowhere.
"Carrick last year did a good job with what he had, he overachieved big time. And obviously what the media want is when the big clubs have failings, there's talking points."
Advice on handling Fernandes
Adding on his decision to recall Fernandes to the team against Chelsea after dropping the 32-year-old following public criticism of his tactics, White said: "I think Carrick probably should have handled himself a bit more.
"I'm going to use the word. A bit more, a bit stronger with the Fernandes one. I think he should have stood up and said, 'nah, you can f*** off.' And I think he should have said to everybody, 'I've told him to f*** off.'
"I also think Carrick shouldn't be afraid to speak up about all the other things that are going on there.
"And at least if he does get launched out, he goes down on his own sword. I don't like to see people that look like they're trying to balance the messages from above.
"He's trying to be that guy in the middle being measured. F*** that, ultimately he'll get the sack anyway. He's better off just standing on his own two feet with it."
