A majority of fans have decided that Manchester United should sack Michael Carrick, but the club has confirmed he will remain in charge for now. Carrick, 45, hit a new low on Wednesday as he watched his side produce an abject display and lose 4-1 away to Champions League debutants Como.
It is now seven games without a win for United, who have already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and are languishing 13th in the Premier League table after a dreadful start to the season. Their woeful form is a stark contrast to the winning run they enjoyed during Carrick's spell as interim manager last term.
Business as Usual at Old Trafford
Wednesday's result plunged his future into doubt, and it was unknown whether he would be in charge for Sunday's home match against Bournemouth. It has now been confirmed that Carrick will hold his pre-match press conference as usual on Friday, with the message from Old Trafford being that it is 'business as usual'.
But just 11 games into his first full season, the majority of readers who voted on Mirror Football's poll have seen enough. Fifty-four per cent voted to sack Carrick, with the remainder believing that he deserves more time.
Board's Faith and Potential Successors
In contrast, the United hierarchy are showing faith in Carrick after handing him a two-year contract in May. That is despite reports that former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann would be a leading candidate and would be open to the job in the event that Carrick is sacked, while Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has admirers at Old Trafford.
Carrick was reluctant to discuss his future in Como, as his typical controlled demeanour slipped away and his anger showed. When asked if he thought that his players were still behind him, the former United midfielder replied: "I'd like to think so. I didn't like what I saw tonight, though.
Carrick's Apology to Fans
"It's not about playing for me, it's about playing for this football club. It's the responsibility that comes with being in the position; I'm responsible for the football club and the supporters.
"I'm giving my best, absolute best all the time, I care about it. My whole life's wrapped around it. I genuinely give everything that I possibly can."
Carrick apologised to United's 700 travelling fans, although most had left by the full-time whistle, and said: "I care an unbelievable amount about the supporters. They are the heartbeat of this football club and they always will be.
"For them to travel, I had to apologise for the performance. To have to watch a performance like that, I totally feel for them. There are no excuses at all. It is not acceptable."
