Michael Carrick’s Manchester United future is under increasing threat, with the club’s board reportedly dissatisfied with recent performances and the next three matches seen as decisive for his position.
United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday extended their winless run to five matches. They are also sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League, with only two victories recorded this season, according to Reuters.
Manchester United board demands improvement from Carrick
Transfer journalist Nicolò Schira reports that United’s hierarchy is unhappy with the team’s displays and now considers Carrick’s position to be at risk.
The former United midfielder has previously been given backing and time to improve the situation. However, the defeat in Madrid appears to have increased the pressure, with the club’s patience reportedly beginning to run short.
United’s upcoming fixtures against Leeds United, Como and Bournemouth are expected to play a significant part in determining whether Carrick remains in charge.
Leeds is the immediate test, and a strong response would provide the manager with some breathing space. Another defeat, however, would intensify calls for a change and make the situation increasingly difficult for the INEOS-led hierarchy to ignore.
Carrick can point to having taken over during a difficult period last season and helping United return to the Champions League. Removing him after a short sequence of poor results would nevertheless raise further questions about the club’s long-term planning.
Results are not the only source of tension. Lisandro Martinez’s public criticism of the hierarchy has added to the unease around Old Trafford, while United have struggled to combine improved performances with a stable atmosphere.
Carrick may still retain the board’s support, but the next three fixtures now represent far more than a routine run of matches. They could determine whether he remains Manchester United manager.
