Andy Reid has warned that Manchester United’s problems extend beyond manager Michael Carrick, arguing that failures in the club’s football leadership, ownership and finances must also be addressed.
Carrick is under growing pressure after United’s poor start to the 2026/27 Premier League season. The club sit 18th with eight points from their opening 10 matches.
Reid said Carrick and the players must accept responsibility for their performances, but insisted that the club’s difficulties could not be solved simply by changing the manager.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former midfielder was particularly critical of the defensive errors that have repeatedly undermined United this season.
“I think the problem runs deeper than Michael Carrick. I think he’ll take his share of the responsibility for it, no doubt about it, and the players have to as well,” Reid said.
“And when they step out on the pitch they can’t be making the mistakes that they are, if you [saw] some of the mistakes they made tonight in an under-15s game you’d be disappointed.
“They need to sort that out. But it runs deeper. There’s football leadership, ownership and financial issues that need resolving, there’s a bigger picture at the moment.”
Manchester United’s problems go beyond another managerial change
United have changed manager several times since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013, with David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim and Carrick all taking charge.
Despite substantial investment in the squad, the club have not rediscovered the consistency associated with Ferguson’s tenure. United have enjoyed spells of improvement and domestic trophy success, but have been unable to mount a sustained Premier League title challenge.
Reid’s assessment is that another managerial appointment alone would not resolve those long-standing issues. He believes the structures supporting the football operation must also be examined if United are to make lasting progress.
Carrick’s immediate future remains uncertain after the dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa left United in the relegation zone, one point above 20th-placed Crystal Palace.
The comeback offered encouragement, but did not alter United’s position in the table. Should Carrick remain in charge after the international break, his next match will be away to Liverpool at Anfield, with the home side yet to win a Premier League game there this season.
