Manchester United's boardroom is reportedly divided once again, this time over the future of manager Michael Carrick and the choice of his potential successor. The discord echoes a similar situation that previously led to a major change at board level.
Reports of a 'civil war' at the club have surfaced, with the team's poor on-field results spilling into the media. Lisandro Martinez criticised the club's hierarchy over transfer activity after a Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid, while Bruno Fernandes questioned Carrick's tactics following a 4-1 defeat at Como. Carrick then suggested his players were not working hard enough.
Rift Between Wilcox and Vivell
The Daily Mail has reported a growing rift between director of football Jason Wilcox and head of recruitment Christopher Vivell. The disagreement is said to centre on who should replace Carrick if he is dismissed.
This is the same kind of disagreement that previously led to a massive change at board level, when Dan Ashworth left the club in December 2024 after just five months in the role.
Ashworth's Exit and Its Aftermath
Ashworth arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 with much excitement, given his work at Newcastle. However, co-owners INEOS decided to part ways with him after only five months.
The Athletic later reported this was partly due to indecision over who should replace Erik ten Hag, sacked in October 2024. Ashworth was reportedly involved in Ten Hag's contract extension but had limited involvement in Ruben Amorim's appointment, with CEO Omar Berrada taking the lead.
Carrick's Position and Potential Successors
United paid £4.1million to terminate Ashworth's contract early, just one month after Amorim was appointed. The move was seen by fans as a poor use of funds.
Carrick will lead United at home to Bournemouth on Sunday, but the team has failed to win any of its last seven games. Potential successors reported as candidates include Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte, all currently free agents.
A new manager would not necessarily resolve the disharmony at boardroom level, and further changes among the hierarchy may be on the horizon.
