Michael Carrick arrived at Manchester United’s Carrington training complex on Monday afternoon, appearing at the facility while the club’s hierarchy held urgent discussions regarding his future as head coach. The 45-year-old manager was present at approximately 1:50pm to observe a behind-closed-doors match involving the club’s under-21 squad. Subject to negotiations, the former Newcastle manager is open to taking up the position. Head coach arrives to watch under-21s play.
The atmosphere surrounding the club remains tense following Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Sporting director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada conducted meetings at the training ground throughout Monday morning to evaluate the current coaching situation. Wilcox concluded his discussions shortly before 5pm, with Carrick departing the premises soon after.
United currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, only one point above the relegation zone, having secured only two victories across all competitions this season.
The recent loss extended the team’s winless streak to eight matches. Should the club proceed with a dismissal, Eddie Howe is understood to be the primary candidate for the role, with initial contact reportedly established. Recruitment officials have also considered other figures, including Unai Emery—though his estimated £20m release clause makes him a costlier option—alongside Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte. Another admired manager, because Aston Villa would demand about £20m in compensation for the Spaniard, howe would be less expensive to recruit than Unai Emery. Who left Napoli in the summer, is another who may be in the frame, antonio Conte. The former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach, is highly regarded by Christopher Vivell, United’s head of recruitment, who is believed to have sounded out his fellow German, but Wilcox’s view may hold more sway with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls football policy at United, julian Nagelsmann.
Internal friction has also come to light following the benching of captain Bruno Fernandes for the Bournemouth fixture. Carrick stated the decision was made for “pure football reasons” following the player’s criticism of his tactical approach during a 4-1 loss to Como last Wednesday. Fernandes remained an unused substitute throughout the Bournemouth game and faced audible disapproval from fans at the Stretford End. This came after the 32-year-old criticised Carrick for his tactics in last Wednesday’s 4-1 loss at Como.
The tensions were further highlighted on Monday when Fernandes engaged with an Instagram post stating, “Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care,” and, “The person holding everything together is usually the one nobody thinks to check on.” Meanwhile, reports suggest that Ineos, controlled by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has placed Swiss club FC Lausanne-Sport up for sale, though the group declined to comment on the matter.
