By Karim Hammam
Manchester United have decided to keep Michael Carrick as manager for Saturday's Premier League trip to Chelsea, despite intense scrutiny following a 4-1 defeat at Como and a subsequent loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford that left the team 16th in the table.
Turbulent 48 Hours at Old Trafford
After Sunday's defeat to Bournemouth, Carrick faced hostility from fans but remained at the stadium signing autographs. Asked if he expected to be in charge at Chelsea, the 45-year-old said he was "carrying on as normal." Widely anticipated sacking did not materialize on Monday, with senior figures urging calm. Carrick watched a closed-doors Under-21 match at Carrington on Monday while captain Bruno Fernandes received pre-planned treatment. Chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox held discussions with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family. By Tuesday evening, United sources confirmed Carrick would take training and lead the team at Stamford Bridge.
Player Accountability and Internal Support
Senior club figures believe the squad — considered capable of Champions League qualification — is underperforming and should share blame. One player told BBC Sport: "The feeling is that we all want to put it right. Players, staff, everyone." Fernandes was dropped for the Bournemouth match and later liked an Instagram post reading: "Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care." Defender Lisandro Martinez had previously questioned squad investment and Wilcox's role.
Potential Replacements Explored
United explored options including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, and Antonio Conte, all currently out of work. Appointing Howe would trigger a multi-million pound compensation payment to Newcastle. Former United coach Kieran McKenna and Aston Villa's Unai Emery were also considered, though Emery is seen as unlikely to leave Villa Park. Some observers suggest compensation costs and the lack of an immediate replacement factored into the decision to retain Carrick.
Scrutiny on Wilcox and Berrada
Wilcox's future is under intense scrutiny, with sources suggesting a third managerial change in as many seasons could cost him his job. Ratcliffe has injected £300m of his own money and provided significant transfer funds since taking charge of football operations in early 2024. However, questions remain over summer recruitment priorities, particularly the failure to address left-back and central striker positions, exacerbated by injuries to Luke Shaw and Benjamin Sesko. A senior football figure suggested both Wilcox and Berrada may be vulnerable in a wider overhaul.
Focus Shifts to Chelsea Match
Carrick is due to speak to the media on Thursday before the Chelsea match, followed by a crucial Champions League fixture against Roma and a home game against in-form Aston Villa ahead of the international break. That break is viewed as the most obvious point for a managerial review if results do not improve.
