Michael Carrick remains on the brink of the sack after Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth stretched their winless run to eight matches.
Carrick came in to replace Ruben Amorim in January and inspired a stellar end to the 2025/26 campaign, qualifying United for the Champions League, but he has been unable to continue that form into the new season.
A dismal start to the new campaign has seen United win just one of their first eight league matches, with a tally of just seven points leaving them 16th in the Premier League.
Pressure mounts after Champions League defeat
Carrick was said to be close to dismissal after United were handed one of their worst Champions League defeats in recent memory on Wednesday night, losing 4-0 away at Cesc Fabregas’ Como, and the mood at the club has only worsened after their losing return to Old Trafford.
Per reports from Sky Sports, Carrick’s tenure is now “hanging by a thread,” and there is an expectation he could be relieved of his duties in the coming days.
United return to action on Saturday, visiting Chelsea. United are already thought to be lining up replacements, with Eddie Howe odds on and Antonio Conte said to be available and of interest.
Players question club position
The situation at United has grown rather toxic. Both Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes have come out and publicly questioned the club’s position in recent days, with the latter being dropped as a result.
Carrick gave a passionate speech at his pre-match press conference on Friday, explaining that he understood the club’s difficult position and promising to return it to the glory days, but he may not be given the time to do so.
The mood at Old Trafford was markedly bitter post-match on Sunday, though fans directed the majority of their ire at the club’s executives as they sang Carrick’s own song.
Carrick takes responsibility
Speaking at full-time, though, he could not say whether he would be in the away dugout at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
"I take the responsibility, of course," he said. "I accept the responsibility. I respect the position I am in. The responsibility is mine. What else can I say right now? I totally understand the situation."
Pressed as to whether he expected to be fired in the coming days, he added: "I am not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I am carrying on as normal. I love this place. I always do what I feel is best for this football club. Whatever decision is made on anything really, that's kind of it. I am not expecting anything."
