Manchester United have made up their mind on sacking Michael Carrick as manager, with the club’s hierarchy now focusing on Antonio Conte as the prime candidate to take over the reins at Old Trafford. The decision comes on the heels of a deeply disappointing draw against Fulham, which has exposed the severe limitations of Carrick’s side early in the campaign. Despite being handed the permanent manager role at the end of last season after steering the club to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification, the former midfielder’s tenure is now hanging by a thread.
The Red Devils have picked up a meager five points from their first five Premier League fixtures, a statistic that underscores a systemic decline in performance and tactical cohesion. United have failed to keep a clean sheet against any of the five English teams they have faced so far, culminating in a humiliating League Cup exit to Brighton where they threw away a two-goal lead on home soil. The recent 1-0 defeat to local rivals Manchester City, followed by a scrappy 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage—saved only by a late Matheus Cunha goal—has pushed the squad to a breaking point.
Criticism is mounting from all quarters, with club legend Gary Neville warning that Carrick could soon find himself in “a lot of trouble” if the downward trend continues. The tactical setup has come under particular scrutiny, especially regarding player deployment. Carrick’s insistence on starting Marcus Rashford has drawn fire from former Watford striker Troy Deeney, who argues the Englishman has become a problematic figure in the lineup. Further complicating matters is the squad’s apparent physical and tactical confusion, with Rashford deployed on the left wing—a position where Matheus Cunha previously operated 19 times last season—while Bryan Mbeumo is also noted as preferring that flank. Pundits have pointed out that the players look “bang average” and lack the fitness and intensity required to execute the manager’s system.
While reports suggest the club are distancing themselves from immediate dismissal to evaluate the situation, the momentum for a change is undeniable. The odds on Antonio Conte have been slashed as speculation intensifies, though former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe also remains in the frame as a potential alternative. The board must now weigh the option of pulling the trigger on Carrick’s project or continuing to back a manager who has struggled to translate his end-of-season success into sustained Premier League competitiveness.
