£100 million‑plus fees put Michael Carrick under fire as United add new coach

£100 million‑plus fees that Manchester United refused to pay for midfield targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes have sparked fresh criticism of manager Michael Carrick's summer transfer window, former Old Trafford chief Mick Brown said, as the Red Devils confirm the arrival of goalkeeping coach Connor King.

Midfield rebuild and new arrivals

Man Utd have added Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba to rebuild their midfield this summer. The trio joins a squad that has struggled for creativity, and their signings were announced alongside the club’s broader transfer activity.

In addition, the Red Devils secured promising winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham Hotspur and backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds United. Both players are expected to provide depth as the team looks to stabilise after a turbulent start.

Board criticism and coaching overhaul

INEOS failed to bring in a new left‑back for Luke Shaw, and the club also missed out on a centre‑forward to replace Joshua Zirkzee. The lack of reinforcement has intensified scrutiny of the board’s transfer strategy.

United have won just once in their last five matches across all competitions, leaving Michael Carrick’s job under intense pressure. Observers note that the poor run makes his dismissal appear increasingly inevitable.

Former Old Trafford chief Mick Brown said, “There’s obviously a lot of pressure on Michael Carrick to deliver results. They’ve not been good enough this season, but he cannot be solely to blame because the board have failed to give him the backing he needs.”

Amid the turmoil, Connor King has joined the coaching staff as first‑team assistant goalkeeping coach. The club statement noted King spent 2018 onward at Burnley in various coaching roles and represented England up to Under‑16 level before moving to Manchester United.

Wayne Rooney believes the weak squad is a major factor behind the pressure on Carrick. Meanwhile, speculation links Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler, Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte with the vacant managerial position.