Michael Carrick is fighting for his future after only eight games of the 2026/27 season, and the Manchester United boss faces a week that could define his reign. As United prepare for their first Champions League away game since a 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in November 2023, the mood among fans travelling to Madrid suggests patience is wearing thin.
A day of unity in Madrid contrasts with United's troubles
It was Spain's national day yesterday, and the streets in Madrid were packed with revellers enjoying an extra day off work. As the city basked in mid-20s temperatures, patriots walked around wrapped in flags and World Cup shirts. In the city centre, there was a military parade, and the Manchester United fans arriving at the airport suffered delays as passenger planes dodged 82 aircraft performing an aerial display.
Spain isn't an entirely happy country at the moment. An early general election has been called for next month and tensions are high over various political hot potatoes. But on Monday, you could have looked around the streets of Madrid and presumed all was well in this little corner of the world. A day of unity and pageantry in the sunshine dispelled the dark clouds for a few hours. It's a lesson United could do with heeding.
Carrick's side face apathy after Tottenham draw
United can't mask their own problems in the way Madrid did on Monday. Carrick's face gave the game away after Saturday's draw with Tottenham. He couldn't hide the pain when asked about the boos directed at his team during the fixture, but it was a fate even worse than anger that greeted his side at the final whistle.
The jeers started raining down midway through the first half at an insipid, lethargic and lacklustre display, but after Dominic Solanke's injury-time equaliser, the final whistle was met with a smattering of boos, but most caustic of all was the apathy. It felt like Old Trafford just fell silent at the end of the game. Those supporters have been there and done that when it comes to anger, and they have no desire to throw brickbats at Carrick. His work as a player, coach and caretaker boss last season means there is sympathy for his plight.
But this is starting to feel like it's only heading in one direction, and there was plenty of chatter among fans heading to Madrid about potential replacements.
Carrick insists he believes United will come through it
"I understand when it's not going well there's a real feeling of it's a disaster, I get that, but that's not in my mindset. You've got to overcome things and deal with things," Carrick said at his pre-Atletico press conference on Monday. He has always insisted his side are up for the fight, and there was no sign of him wavering from that stance in the Spanish capital. "I totally believe we will come through it," he concluded. Not everyone shares his confidence.
Six months ago, Carrick could do little wrong. The only two defeats he faced in 17 games were met with winning runs, and he was buoyant and ambitious in front of the media. He cut a very different figure on Sunday. Carrick was frustrated and animated on the touchline for much of the game, then looked worn down by it all afterwards. He said all the right things, but he knows his job is on the line right now and by the end of next week, the 45-year-old will have a better idea of where he stands.
Three away games will test United's fight
There are worrying signs in his team, however. A desire to transition to a side that can control games and dictate play through passing rhythms has backfired in a physical Premier League, and the midfield was overrun by Spurs. It's led to a lack of intensity, a diagnosis Carrick has made. He wanted his team to bring "fire" on Saturday, but the start of the game was disastrous, hence the response from the stands.
The problem is that United now face a run of three successive away games where their appetite for the fight and ability to run and run will be tested. Atletico Madrid in the Metropolitano is the ultimate stress test of a team's togetherness and fitness, while Leeds at Elland Road is always hostile for United. It shouldn't be forgotten that United are only in Madrid because of Carrick's sterling work in the second half of last season. That should buy him a little more time, but it does feel patience is starting to wear thin.
