Michael Carrick’s future at Manchester United is still up in the air

Michael Carrick appeared to be on the brink of the sack following Manchester United’s 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth on Sunday. 

Many people expected the club to announce his departure on Monday, but it didn’t happen. 

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell says Carrick will take training on Tuesday. There are no guarantees he will remain in charge for United’s next match at Chelsea this weekend. 

The club’s decision makers are holding crunch talks over Carrick’s future, but they have not reached a final decision yet. 

Man United have already sounded out potential replacements for the 45-year-old. Eddie Howe is in pole position, with director of football Jason Wilcox favouring his appointment. 

Julian Nagelsmann is also regarded as a top contender. He is available for hire after stepping down as Germany head coach following their early World Cup exit. 

Fabian Hurzeler and Unai Emery have been linked with United, but their clubs would demand significant compensation. 

United should not sack Carrick 

The Red Devils have made a poor start to the 2026/27 season. 

They are currently just a point above the relegation zone, having won just one of their eight Premier League matches. 

However, Carrick is not solely to blame for the poor results. The club’s hierarchy did not back him in the transfer market, refusing to sign a striker or left-back. 

The players are not giving their all on the pitch. Instead of looking at their own performances, they have blamed the coach and the club’s board in interviews.

Sacking Carrick will not solve United’s problems. They have deeper structural issues, and their approach of constantly changing managers has failed. 

United have appointed several top managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, but none have delivered sustained success.