Michael Carrick's Manchester United tenure is under serious pressure, with Alan Shearer voicing concerns about Eddie Howe as a potential replacement. The former Newcastle United striker has admitted he does not wish to see Carrick lose his job but claims it would not surprise him if the manager were sacked soon.
Carrick's Dismal Start to the Season
After guiding his side to a third-place Premier League finish last season, Carrick has made a poor start to this campaign. With seven league matches played, only one win has been recorded - a 5-2 victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
This has been compounded by an early Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Brighton and two defeats in the Champions League to Atletico Madrid and Como. Should his team fall short against Bournemouth, the pressure could prove decisive.
Shearer's Concerns About Howe
Howe left Newcastle in July after five seasons at the helm, winning the Carabao Cup during his time at St James' Park. However, Shearer believes Howe needs total control at his next club, a situation that would not suit Manchester United.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: "Eddie Howe has also been linked - he wants control of things and in a club that he sees that is his role and his issue. Whether he would get that at Manchester United or not, I don't know."
Wider Problems at United
Shearer highlighted the broader issues at the club, referencing past managers and internal turmoil. He said: "I guess you don't have to be on the inside to think and know what's going on at Manchester United. When you go through Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim, then you talk about the Dan Ashworth situation, you had Dave Brailsford and the compensation they paid Newcastle, then sacked him, their recruitment, arguing with ticket prices..."
He added: "There's so much going on there in terms of how it highlights the huge problems they've got. It's there for everyone to see. Everyone's looking at it. It's being played out in the open. You don't need an Erik ten Hag interview to know that there are huge problems at Manchester United."
On Carrick, Shearer concluded: "I hope this isn't the end for Michael Carrick at United, but obviously you'd have to be concerned because of the results. I mean, it can't be a coincidence. Manchester United keep going through manager after manager after manager, looking for a solution. The club is awful in terms of the way it is."
