Manchester United’s senior officials are holding urgent discussions over Michael Carrick’s future after Sunday’s painful 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford placed the manager under increasing pressure.
Despite the heavy loss, Carrick remained resolute and said he did not expect to lose his position. However, the club’s leadership is reportedly considering a managerial change. Director of football Jason Wilcox is believed to favour Eddie Howe, whose substantial Premier League experience makes him a leading option. Howe could also be cheaper to appoint than Unai Emery, as Aston Villa may seek around £20m in compensation for the Spanish coach.
Former Germany and Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is highly rated by recruitment chief Christopher Vivell, although Wilcox may have greater influence with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees United’s football operations. Antonio Conte could also be considered.
Carrick omitted Bruno Fernandes from the starting team against Bournemouth, explaining before the match that the decision was based purely on football matters rather than the captain’s criticism of his tactics after the Champions League defeat to Como. United then suffered their sixth loss in 12 matches across all competitions, with Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson scoring for Marco Rose’s team. The club have recorded only one league victory this season and are 16th in the table. Their most recent win came against Sabah in the Champions League on 10 September.
Carrick said he fully recognised the uncertainty surrounding his position but was not anticipating a particular outcome. He added that he would continue working normally, expressing his affection for the club and promising to act according to its best interests regardless of any decision made by the leadership.
He acknowledged that the circumstances were difficult and admitted he did not know what would happen next. Carrick nevertheless pledged to keep giving everything to the club, saying he valued his role, understood the responsibility attached to it and would wait for further developments.
After the match, Carrick applauded the home crowd and struck his chest while passing the supportive Stretford End. Once he had entered the tunnel, Fernandes and several other United players were greeted with boos as they followed him from the pitch.
Carrick insisted the gesture was not intended as a goodbye. He said he felt sympathy for his players during their difficult run and appreciated the supporters maintaining a connection with him. He also accepted that the team’s recent performances and results had fallen below the required standard.
Discussing his choice not to use Fernandes, who remained on the bench throughout Sunday’s match, Carrick said managers often face moments when substitutions might alter the contest, but he stood by the decisions made on the day.
Harry Maguire, who captained United in Fernandes’ absence, said the squad remained completely supportive of Carrick. He credited the manager with improving the team last season and securing Champions League qualification, while admitting that the players were not performing well enough. Maguire said every member of the squad needed to take responsibility, contribute more and focus on executing the fundamentals properly during a difficult period.
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