Manchester United's Michael Carrick close to exit
When the fans, after the 0-3 defeat to AFC Bournemouth despite the next debacle, loudly sang Michael Carrick's name, the former midfielder completed a lap of honour – however the team manager of Manchester United stressed that it was not a farewell lap and that Carrick was now facing the end.
Crisis talks about the future
According to the Guardian on Sunday evening, the board is holding crisis talks about Carrick's future. Carrick, who was appointed head coach five months ago after a successful interim period, is now focusing on the bigger picture. “The situation we find ourselves in as a football club is what matters most to me. It’s not about me,” the former pro emphasizes. He accepts his part in the situation and expects nothing concrete, he added.
Carrick explained that he will continue to do what is best for the club. “I love the responsibility, but we have to wait and see what happens,” he said. Despite the uncertainty, he wants to carry on as normal.
The positive reactions from the fans moved the former midfielder deeply. “For me, it’s now about processing that first. The emotions at the end of the game were something I have never really experienced before,” he explained. After 464 competitive matches for United, he emphasized that the connection and appreciation from the supporters mean a great deal to him.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe pushes Michael Carrick's sack plan as United falters
Carrick has not managed to halt the steep decline of the club since Alex Ferguson 2013. The 0-3 defeat to AFC Bournemouth, overseen by German team manager Marco Rose, was the eighth consecutive league match without a win. With that, Manchester United are experiencing the worst start to a season in their Premier League history.
Possible successors
Experts already speculated after the defeat that the 45-year-old coach would not be retained. Former England international Jamie Carragher described the situation as a “toxic dressing room” and said Carrick wanted to “just be freed from his suffering tonight”. Club legend Gary Neville warned that the executives would have to make a decision that could alienate the fans, but that it was necessary.
Manchester United considers Carrick's future after eight defeats
Recently, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte and Fabian Hürzeler from Brighton & Hove Albion were mentioned as possible successors. According to the Guardian, former Newcastle coach Eddie Howe is the preferred candidate of sporting director Jason Wilcox. The discussion about Manchester United's future therefore remains open.