Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe has urged the club not to sack Michael Carrick, arguing that another managerial change would risk sending the team into yet another rebuilding process.
Carrick impressed during his interim spell last season but has endured a difficult start since taking the job on a permanent basis. United have won just one of their opening five Premier League matches and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Brighton.
Sharpe calls for patience with Michael Carrick
Sharpe believes the recent downturn is not enough to justify dismissing the 45-year-old, particularly given the disruption that would follow the arrival of another manager with different ideas about the squad.
“It is far too early to sack him. You would just be starting again with another manager who wants different players. I don’t see the point in doing that now,” Sharpe said.
He also placed some responsibility on the United board, suggesting the club should have strengthened more significantly during the summer transfer window.
“The board have to take some responsibility. Tielemans was a good price, and Baleba looks a decent acquisition, but I think Carrick, the supporters and everyone around the club would have expected another one, two or possibly three signings,” Sharpe said.
Sharpe acknowledged that United’s performances have been below the required standard, saying the players had started “slowly and sloppily”. He added that the side needed to play at a higher tempo and move the ball more quickly.
Carrick’s early results have increased pressure at Old Trafford, but Sharpe’s view is that the manager should be given more time and further additions to improve his squad rather than being replaced immediately.
United’s high standards mean Carrick will know that results and performances must improve soon. For now, however, Sharpe believes sacking Michael Carrick would create more complications than it solved.
