Man Utd Crisis Talks on Carrick; Eddie Howe Top Target

Michael Carrick was still Manchester United’s head coach early Monday, but several British outlets reported that his job is hanging by a thread. A day after the 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth, the club’s leadership was in crisis talks about his future, and reports have already started naming possible replacements.

As of early Monday U.S. Eastern time, United had not announced any decision.

Why no announcement yet?

The Guardian reported that the club cannot announce a firing until it informs the New York Stock Exchange, where Manchester United is listed, and the exchange is closed on weekends. The paper pointed to a precedent: when Ruben Amorim was let go in January, the decision was made on a Sunday night but not announced until the next day.

The Guardian also reported that United’s executives are actively considering Carrick’s dismissal, with the expectation inside the club that he will be sacked. The Manchester Evening News wrote that it “feels inevitable” he will be dismissed within 24 hours, which is the paper’s assessment rather than a confirmed plan.

Sky Sports reported that United were already looking at other options before Sunday’s defeat and would “accelerate” the search. CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are leading the process, according to Sky Sports.

Who could replace Michael Carrick?

These names have come up in reporting. None has been confirmed by the club.

Candidate	What’s been reported
Eddie Howe	Wilcox’s preferred candidate, according to The Guardian, thanks to his long Premier League experience
Unai Emery	Admired, but Aston Villa would demand about £20 million in compensation, The Guardian reported
Julian Nagelsmann	Highly regarded by head of recruitment Christopher Vivell, per The Guardian
Antonio Conte	Also mentioned as a possible contender by The Guardian and Sky Sports

The Guardian added that Wilcox’s view may carry more weight with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls football policy at the club.

What Carrick said after the loss

Carrick, who led United to Champions League qualification last season after taking over from Amorim, did not sound like a man saying goodbye.

“I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. Carrying on as normal and I love this place,” he said, according to The Guardian.

He added: “It’s a tough situation, there’s no hiding from it. What it looks like and what’s next I really don’t know. I will always do my best for the football club and I won’t change that now. I love what I do and I feel the responsibility – we’ll have to wait and see.”

Carrick also told reporters that Berrada and Wilcox “just briefly came down like they always do after a game, but nothing out of the ordinary,” the Manchester Evening News reported.

The Bruno Fernandes question

Carrick’s decision to leave captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench for the full 90 minutes is still a major talking point. Fernandes had criticized Carrick’s tactics after the midweek 4-1 Champions League loss at Como.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports that the situation had “become untenable” and called it “a rancid dressing room.” Former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew told talkSPORT he would have played Fernandes, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Stand-in captain Harry Maguire said the squad was “fully behind” Carrick. “As individuals, we’re not playing well enough,” Maguire said, per The Guardian.

The numbers behind the pressure

16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Eight straight games without a win in all competitions.
Two wins in 12 games this season (2 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses), per the Manchester Evening News. The last win was Sept. 10 against Sabah in the Champions League, The Guardian reported.

Fans at Old Trafford chanted Carrick’s name at full time and booed the players as they walked off, according to both The Guardian and the Manchester Evening News.

What’s next for Manchester United

Whoever is in charge faces a tough run, as listed by the Manchester Evening News:

Oct. 31: at Chelsea (Premier League)
Nov. 3: vs. Roma (Champions League)
Nov. 8: vs. Aston Villa (Premier League)
Nov. 22: at Liverpool (Premier League)
Nov. 25: at Sporting (Champions League)
Nov. 28: vs. Brentford (Premier League)

FAQ

Has Michael Carrick been sacked?

Not as of early Monday ET. Reports say the club is in crisis talks, but no decision has been announced.

Who is favored to replace Carrick?

The Guardian reported that Eddie Howe is the top choice of director of football Jason Wilcox. Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery and Antonio Conte have also been mentioned.

When does Manchester United play next?

United visit Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Earlier coverage: Michael Carrick's Manchester United future in doubt after 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth (Oct 25)

Michael Carrick awaits verdict as Manchester United hold crisis talks; Eddie Howe reported top target