Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Michael Carrick is now under real pressure at Manchester United, with Old Trafford booing his side off the pitch after defeat to Brighton.
Manchester United were terrible against Brighton and threw away a 2-0 lead to be knocked out of the Carabao Cup 3-2. It was another awful performance directly after the derby defeat.
The pressure is mounting on Michael Carrick, with performances throughout this season absolutely not good enough. During the game against Brighton, a manager previously linked with United was actually spotted in the director’s box during the game.
Getty Images
Kieran McKenna at Old Trafford for Manchester United vs Brighton
On the pitch, there was a disaster going on for United as Carrick’s side clocked in another performance of shame. It was a defeat that leaves United with a pretty concerning record of two wins in six (Ipswich and Sabah) this season, with three losses.
This has led to expected pressure over Carrick’s future, which will see the fixture against Fulham become a must-win game this Sunday, otherwise a change might be in the offing.
Adding to this pressure, Kieran McKenna was at Old Trafford on Wednesday night in the directors’ box, having previously been considered an alternative to Carrick.
Simon Stone spotted McKenna, and his presence sparked some rumours that Ineos may be viewing the former assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a successor to Carrick.
McKenna has been linked with United several times, and for many fans, he is a likely future head coach.
McKenna may have been there to support Carrick, but the timing will certainly get people talking, with the former Ipswich Town boss seen as a superb young manager destined for a big job.
If United are to seek a change of manager, McKenna could very easily be at the forefront of planning, given his availability mid-season and the fact that he knows the club so well, having managed in the academy and coached the first-team.
Carrick needs a win against Fulham this weekend, as he heads into a three-week break, which could see pressure mount on him. If United are going to change managers, that would be the time to do it, and so another defeat cannot be afforded.
Things need to get better; Carrick’s days will unfortunately be numbered.