REUTERS/Scott Heppell
The scriptwriters seem to be getting tiresome at Old Trafford. We've all seen this story before. We all know how it ends and have done since Manchester United made the call to hire interim boss Michael Carrick on a permanent basis at the end of last season.
Last time, it was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who bounced his way into the technical area. The former striker even had Rio Ferdinand claiming that Man United were back, only to be sacked less than two years later.
REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
This time, it's Carrick who has the permanent gig and is beginning to sound a familiar tune around Old Trafford. One which goes along to the rhythm of impending doom. A swansong, perhaps.
Why Man Utd could sack Carrick in the international break
A three-week international break comes at an interesting time for Carrick. Some may say it should come as a relief.
He has the chance to dive into just what is going wrong and what has changed since his interim spell. Surely the answer will arrive in the space of three weeks?
Owner Sir Alex Ferguson is seen near jockey Harry Skelton and L'Eau Du Sud
Owner Sir Alex Ferguson is seen near jockey Harry Skelton and L'Eau Du Sud
Others may point out that now would be an ideal time for INEOS to bring the axe down on the 45-year-old's tenure. What better time is there for a new manager to settle in than a three-week break? It's clear that those at Old Trafford must make a decision either way.
They must assess whether this is a blip in the road or a roadblock centred around Carrick's tactical limitation. The numbers, in that regard, do not make for pretty reading.
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Man Utd since August 2025 With 55%+ possession With 45% or less possession
Games 20 10
Wins 7 10
Draws 7 0
Defeats 6 0
The less possession Man United have, the better, and that's a major issue for any team with ambitions to achieve big things. Whilst Carrick only arrived in January, his style is centred around hitting teams quickly in transition, and he has continuously struggled when forced to control games in possession.
The Manchester derby was the biggest indication of that. When Phil Foden was dismissed early on for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, it was not advantage United.
Without knowing it, Foden forced the Red Devils to play their weakest hands before Erling Haaland produced the ace up Enzo Maresca's sleeve.
So the concern for INEOS is not just the recent run of results, it's the growing trend which may leave them with no choice but to pull the rug on Carrick's Man United tenure.
Man Utd could turn to major Carrick upgrade
It really is Groundhog day or Man United. Not only is their manager under increasing pressure, but Antonio Conte is also on the radar of those at Old Trafford.
According to reports earlier this week, the Italian is waiting by the phone in desperation for Man United's call. He's ready to finally take the job in Manchester, having been linked before United appointed Ruben Amorim, and would be a huge upgrade on Carrick.
Whilst no one will attempt to deny the problems that arrive with a manager like Conte, there's also no denying that he's a winner. Perhaps, after rebuilding their transfer model and returning to the Champions League courtesy of Carrick, now is the time to hire a winner.
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Antonio Conte career honours
Premier League
Serie A
FA Cup
Italian Super Cup
Conte has won almost everywhere he has been, including in the Premier League. His arrival would reintroduce a dreaded back three to Man United fans, but he is no Amorim.
Whilst the latter is a rookie in that world, Conte is the godfather of the back three. He has turned even the most unlikely players into top wing-backs.
REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
At Old Trafford, the likes of Patrick Dorgu are ready-made to evolve. Harry Maguire, meanwhile, would be excellent at the centre of a back three. It would be a risk after Amorim's disastrous system, but Conte comes with credentials in the form of silverware.
Whether that's enough evidence to part ways with Carrick and bet on the Italian remains to be seen, however. The pressure is certainly growing on the Man United boss.