United's future in doubt as Carrick faces sacking after Como loss

The floodlights at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium flickered over a stunned Old Trafford contingent as Manchester United trudged off after a 4-1 defeat to Cesc Fàbregas' Como on Wednesday night. The loss sparked immediate speculation about Michael Carrick's future, with the club’s hierarchy reportedly moving into sacking territory.

Carrick's position under fire

Just over five months after being handed the permanent role, Carrick has overseen seven games without a win across all competitions. INEOS, the club’s co‑owner, is already scouting potential replacements ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Bournemouth. In the post‑match interview, captain Bruno Fernandes appeared to question Carrick’s tactical choices, adding pressure on the former midfielder.

Potential replacements

Among the five names circulating, Julian Nagelsmann tops the list. The former Bayern Munich boss, who left the Germany national team after the World Cup, previously featured on INEOS’s shortlist before Carrick’s appointment. Head of recruitment Christopher Vivell worked with Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig and coached Benjamin Šeško at Red Bull Arena.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Fabian Hurzeler is also praised, having guided the Seagulls to third place in the Premier League after seven games and engineering a 3-2 Carabao Cup comeback win over United in September. Antonio Conte emerges as the “easiest option”, with his representatives indicating interest, though United have not yet approached the former Chelsea manager.

Eddie Howe, currently unemployed after departing Newcastle United, is another contender with Premier League experience. Former sporting director Dan Ashworth championed Howe at the start of INEOS’s co‑ownership, but Jim Ratcliffe remained unconvinced. Mauricio Pochettino and Kieran McKenna are described as outside contenders, having featured on recent shortlists.

Carrick backs himself as United head into Bournemouth clash

Simone Inzaghi, the Inter Milan veteran now at Al‑Hilal, is reportedly interested in a Premier League move but is not listed as a direct Carrick replacement.

Club’s recruitment scrutiny

Sporting director Jason Wilcox has come under intense scrutiny after a summer transfer window that yielded only three first‑team signings: Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos. The limited activity has drawn criticism despite a midfield overhaul, while defensive options remain thin, with left‑back Luke Shaw the sole viable choice and still battling injury problems.

’s Simone Stone suggested that Wilcox and Carrick together represent only part of United’s broader issues. The club’s recruitment strategy, therefore, remains a focal point as the managerial question looms.

Darren Bent urges United to sell Bruno Fernandes for £80m this January

Image credit: REUTERS/Susana Vera. The story was added to GiveMeSport on Google as a Preferred Source, with journalist Matthew Guyett – who began his career at Sportskeeda in 2022 and has amassed over 25 million reads – providing the coverage.