Manchester United are on the verge of sacking Michael Carrick, but one major problem will not be solved by his departure. Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada are understood to be in Monaco today, where the topic of Carrick's future will be discussed with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. It is expected that when it is brought up, Ineos' eyes and ears at Carrington will recommend Carrick should be fired.
A Season of Sharp Decline
It is worth repeating how astonishing the decline has been for Manchester United this season. In the first half of the year, Carrick spearheaded a sensational turnaround at Old Trafford. He rejuvenated United and led them back to the Champions League - a target that would not have been met under Ruben Amorim.
And yet, this season has been nothing short of a disaster. Ten games into the Premier League, United sit 18th and have won just one match. It has been one of the quickest declines in world football and Carrick must hold some responsibility for that.
But should the inevitable happen and Carrick loses his job, that won't stop the scrutiny. United fans will make sure of that. There is a legitimate case that Carrick should not be the only one departing this week.
Wilcox Under Fire Over Transfers
While the vast majority of supporters are ready to wave goodbye to the entirety of Ineos, one man has faced the brunt of criticism in recent weeks. Wilcox is responsible for United's transfer business. As director of football, he ultimately approves or rejects transfers. As such, many fans are rightfully holding him accountable for the transfer window just gone.
Nobody would argue that United did not need to strengthen their midfield. Casemiro leaving meant Kobbie Mainoo was the only starting midfielder left. The Reds needed reinforcements and they got them in the form of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.
That was a fine starting point. But, barring a few signings for the future, that was where the incomings ended. United did not sign a left-back or a centre-forward, and that second decision looks set to be the most costly for Carrick.
Striker Shortage Proves Costly
According to Opta, United have had the most shots in the Premier League and are in the top four for expected goals (xG), shots on target and successful final third passes. Yet they also have the fifth-worst shot conversion rate.
United's shot conversion rate would undoubtedly be higher if they had a recognised striker on the pitch. Benjamin Sesko is the first choice centre-forward but he is out until January, at the earliest, with a shin injury.
During his limited time on the pitch, Sesko has scored twice in six appearances. That is a respectable return. However without him, Carrick has had to make do experimenting with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes, in the false nine role. Those experiments have largely been unsuccessful, as Opta's data show.
Despite scoring at the weekend, Joshua Zirkzee has never been fully trusted by Carrick. Considering that, he must have asked for a new recruit in attack.
Over the summer, someone in Carrington decided that having just one recognised striker and Zirkzee, who is better as a No.10, would be enough to see them through four competitions. That is a sackable offence in itself.
As it turns out, it could be Carrick that takes the brunt of that misjudgement. Being without a replacement for Sesko has left him fighting for his job but Wilcox should be looking over his shoulder too.
