Michael Carrick has been sacked as Manchester United manager, prompting the Manchester United Supporters' Trust to issue a strongly worded statement criticising the club's ownership.
Carrick made 464 appearances during a medal-laden time as a United player and becomes the seventh manager to be dismissed by the club since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
The former England midfielder oversaw just three wins from 15 matches in all competitions this season, with only one of those victories coming in the league as the 18th-placed side made their worst start to a domestic campaign since 1986.
Supporters' Trust Statement
In a statement, the trust, which has 200,000 members, said: "Michael Carrick's departure marks another depressing moment for Manchester United. We thank him for his service and for restoring hope during the second half of last season. His standing among supporters remains undiminished."
The statement continued: "The reason Manchester United fans have continued to support Michael Carrick in recent weeks is that they know that responsibility for United's problems do not primarily rest with him or indeed his predecessors as manager. They lie with the ownership."
"The Glazers' debt-funded takeover continues to burden the club. When INEOS came in they promised sporting excellence, but yet with repeated changes in football leadership we have seen anything but. It is time for the owners to explain themselves and show some accountability."
Wider Discontent
The trust highlighted that discontent at United is not just about matters on the pitch, pointing to "aggressive ticketing policies" that have "further damaged relations with supporters."
"Treating loyal fans principally as a source of revenue undermines their identity and the bond with the team that sustains support through difficult times. Supporters are being asked to pay the price for the owners' mismanagement as well as their stadium ambitions through higher charges and diminished rights," the statement said.
It referenced an earlier Stretford End banner declaring "The way you treat us is a disgrace" and noted the "unprecedented scale of the booing at Old Trafford, alongside public criticism from senior players in recent weeks."
Calls for Accountability
The trust warned publicly in January 2025 that alienating supporters risked a downward spiral of worsening atmosphere, performances and financial outcomes. It said its subsequent Telegraph article urged Sir Jim Ratcliffe to break that "doom loop" by bringing supporters with him.
"The owners must allow senior club management to change direction: show accountability, rebuild trust, listen to supporters and recognise that their loyalty is fundamental to football success. Another change of head coach cannot repair what the ownership continues to undermine," the trust concluded.
