Manchester United could be set for major changes on and off the pitch, with the club's struggles this season intensifying pressure on the boardroom and on manager Michael Carrick. After Carrick's interim spell raised expectations, a difficult start to the campaign has left supporters frustrated, and the need for positive results has never been greater.
Carrick has escaped what seemed like an inevitable sacking more than once, and frustrations towards the boardroom have helped his case. Fans have also chosen to target the current squad rather than their former midfielder in the dugout. Regardless of who is in charge come the winter transfer window, United appear in desperate need of reinforcements.
Ratcliffe told he's got two options
If the club decides to sack Carrick, former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes only two suitable options exist for the role. In his view, either Eddie Howe or Unai Emery must be given the reins.
"There are only, I think, two runners," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "Listen, Michael Carrick is still in the job, so it's unfair to be saying it. But if that's the case, if this doesn't improve, it's inevitable that he's going to lose his job. It can only be him (Emery) really, and Eddie Howe."
Howe is out of work after leaving Newcastle but not technically a free agent, as his former side would still require compensation — estimated in the region of £3m — from any club wishing to appoint him. With Emery tied down until 2029 by Aston Villa, he would be far more expensive.
Balde ready to leave
One of United's biggest transfer failures of the summer window was not signing a left-back to rotate with Luke Shaw. Barcelona's Alejandro Balde was linked with a late move, but he opted to stay in Spain and fight for his place under Hansi Flick.
That has not worked out for the seven-time Spain international, who has played just 116 minutes across four appearances. According to Mundo Deportivo, he has now resigned himself to the fact that he must leave to get more game time.
Barcelona have a €40m (£33.4m) price tag for him and are open to his January exit, as per Sport. A loan departure would not be acceptable for the Catalan giants, however, as they want to fund new signings of their own.
