Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has described Manchester United as genuine relegation candidates after the club dropped into the Premier League bottom three.
United slipped into the relegation zone on Saturday following Nottingham Forest's surprise win over Manchester City at the City Ground. Michael Carrick's side now host Aston Villa at Old Trafford, and a defeat would leave them in the drop zone heading into the international break.
Carrick under pressure
Carrick, who took over as interim boss last season, oversaw a strong run of results that ended with Champions League qualification. However, he has been unable to maintain that form and appeared close to losing his job after a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth two weeks ago.
The 45-year-old earned a stay of execution, but the United board may be forced to act if the team suffers another setback that confirms their relegation status.
Leboeuf's warning
Speaking to ESPNFC, Leboeuf said there is reason for concern. "It's been a while since you had to panic because we saw the games that they had," he said. "There is reason to panic and it's been like that for a while."
He added: "Nothing is getting good, we don't see any improvement, we don't see how it can be better. Again, I'm all for Michael Carrick. But there is a time when there will be no other choices but getting rid of him."
Leboeuf also criticised the squad, saying: "You can't get rid of those players who don't deserve to play for Manchester United, who aren't good enough for Manchester United. They don't have the guts, the courage, the pride of fighting for the club."
He concluded: "I don't see any solution, I don't see anything getting good and if they carry on like that you could see Manchester United getting relegated which is amazing."
