Michael Carrick faces an uncertain future at Manchester United after losing 4-1 to Como in the Champions League. The pressure has increased on Carrick each week since the start of the season, but he was pushed to the brink due to the manner of the defeat to Como, which he took "100 per cent responsibility" for.
Although fans speculated that Carrick could be sacked after that defeat, he spoke to the media on Friday and remains in charge against Bournemouth this weekend, a must-win game for his future.
What is Carrick's current situation?
The reality is that Carrick has one foot out the door after losing at Como. He demonstrated clear leadership at his press conference on Friday, vowing to turn the poor results around, but if United lose to Bournemouth, it would be a surprise to see him survive. Even if Carrick secures a win on Sunday, it feels unlikely he will get the results to limp into the November international break.
It's a sad situation, but the results have not been acceptable, which is why Eddie Howe, Unai Emery, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann have all been mentioned. Former Newcastle manager Howe, who departed the Magpies over the summer, is thought to be Jason Wilcox's managerial preference.
Is Steve Holland holding Carrick back?
If United are trying to play safety-first football, it certainly isn't working because they can't keep the ball out of the net. They have conceded 19 goals in 11 games in all competitions, recording just one clean sheet in the process - one of the biggest reasons for their struggles.
Their defensive struggles are surprising considering Steve Holland's experience. England were known for being pragmatic during Gareth Southgate's time in charge, and the experienced Holland oversaw the bulk of the coaching at St. George's Park. Holland has been described by a United source as "a bit more reserved" in comparison to first-team coaches Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans. He has been known to be an authority figure at the right times, so it's likely he has dished out home truths over the last two weeks.
Why have United's results been poor?
Carrick clearly needed more bodies through the door over the summer - the club failed to sign a left-back and striker - but he has made plenty of bad decisions, contributing to the regression. It took him almost two months to realise a pivot of Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans was not working, and he started the season with Matheus Cunha down the middle, despite Bryan Mbeumo being the better choice for that role.
There is some sympathy for Carrick because Carlos Baleba was injured when he signed, and Benjamin Sesko's situation hasn't helped, but the Como performance was a stark contrast between a team that knew their jobs and a side that didn't. Poor decisions, questionable coaching, and frustration from senior players over a lack of signings in the summer ultimately come together to create the perfect storm.
Will academy players get a chance?
It felt like a statement from Carrick that he'd been let down by his senior players when he introduced Shea Lacey and Harry Amass to the tie against Como. Some fans would like to see big names dropped for the Bournemouth game tomorrow in favour of playing academy players, and it definitely feels possible after the Como hammering. Lacey has proven he can cut it at the top level and deserves more minutes after his goal against Brighton, while Amass will be frustrated with a centre-back playing in his position (left-back). Both players are good enough for the first-team, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Carrick turn to them against Bournemouth.
