Manchester United's 4-1 defeat to Como could mark the end of Michael Carrick's tenure as manager, with the club's hierarchy historically quick to act when dismissing managers. The humiliating scoreline, among the most damaging in United's European history, was compounded by internal conflict, as Bruno Fernandes accused Carrick of tactical errors and the manager responded by suggesting the players did not run enough.
Carrick may be afforded extra time, but his apologetic gesture towards the travelling supporters suggested he believes his fate is sealed. Should that prove to be his last game in charge, he may not face a lengthy wait before receiving official confirmation, given the club's decision-makers typically act decisively.
Previous Six Permanent Managers' Waiting Times
Ruben Amorim's fate was effectively decided even before his final match against Leeds in January. A tense exchange with Jason Wilcox on the Friday sparked alarm, and when Amorim publicly criticised the director of football in his post-match press conference, he was informed on the Monday morning, approximately 18 hours after the fixture.
Erik ten Hag, whose recent remarks about a "toxic culture" in the dressing room proved compelling reading after Wednesday's disaster, was dismissed on a Monday after a Sunday loss. With United in 14th position after a 2-1 reverse against West Ham, Ten Hag was informed by chief executive Omar Berrada and then-sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Earlier Departures
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the final pre-INEOS dismissal, recognised his tenure was over at the interval of United's 4-1 thrashing at Watford. He told The Athletic: "Nobody told me, but I knew at half-time against Watford. We didn't look like a Man United team." Similar to Carrick, Solskjaer appeared apologetic before the supporters after the match, and the axe officially fell the following day when he was summoned to a meeting by Ed Woodward.
Jose Mourinho was relieved of his duties almost two days after his final fixture, a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool which left the side 19 points adrift of their rivals. Louis van Gaal, despite having just lifted the FA Cup, was informed less than 24 hours after the final that his services were no longer needed, with official confirmation on Monday and Mourinho appointed the following day. David Moyes, after a 2-0 loss at Everton, was formally dismissed fewer than 48 hours later in a meeting with Woodward.
