Michael Carrick remains Manchester United manager after Monday meetings, but he faces significant pressure heading into Saturday's trip to Stamford Bridge. Roy Keane has issued a warning, while former team-mates have discussed potential successors.
Keane's Warning to Carrick
Roy Keane addressed Carrick's situation and cautioned that the manager must go to Chelsea and deliver a result, according to the Mirror. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast alongside Gary Neville, Keane said: "When he got the job last year and Carrick went in there, we said from day one we didn't think he was probably good enough long term."
Keane added: "They were getting results last year and people were saying you've got to give him the job because of results. All of a sudden, they're not getting the results. 'Oh, it's the board, it's [Jason] Wilcox. It's somebody else'." He also said Carrick's coaching staff, including Jonny Evans, Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland, are "lucky boys to be still involved at Manchester United."
Three Replacements Agreed
Meanwhile, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt each voted on three managers they believe could succeed Carrick. Appearing on their podcast The Good, The Bad and The Football, they were presented with a list of 11 names and agreed on three candidates.
Antonio Conte was first, with Scholes approving but Butt unconvinced. Gareth Southgate divided them, with Butt backing him and Scholes not sold. Unai Emery received approval from both. Of the remaining eight, only Keane and Kieran McKenna got the thumbs up from both, with Butt remarking: "It would be fun" and Scholes adding: "I don't see why not."
The duo disagreed on Fabian Hurzeler and Mauricio Pochettino, while both rejected Eddie Howe, Daniel Farke, Cesc Fabregas and Julian Nagelsmann for now. Another defeat on Saturday could spell disaster for Carrick's future and United's season.
