Manchester United manager Michael Carrick arrives at the stadium ahead of the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick arrives at the stadium ahead of the match
Ruben Amorim, Erik ten Hag and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer- three managers who tried and failed to bring the glory days back to Manchester United in the last ten years.
All of whom were sacked by the hierarchy after results on the pitch, with Michael Carrick potentially joining the aforementioned trio in the not-too-distant future.
The 45-year-old was only handed the Red Devils job on a permanent basis back in May, subsequently penning a two-year deal after his impressive temporary spell as manager.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick applauds fans after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick applauds fans after the match
However, it’s safe to say he’s massively struggled over recent months, with his long-term future in the role already being called into question by many in and around Manchester.
The stats that could see Carrick sacked by Man Utd
Despite a lot of promise around Old Trafford this summer, United’s performances on the pitch have been way below those expected of a side fighting for the Premier League title.
Carrick’s men have only claimed two victories in the first 11 outings of the current campaign, with only one of which coming in England’s top-flight against newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks dejected after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks dejected after the match
Wednesday’s defeat in the Champions League to Como was yet another dark moment for the 45-year-old, but it’s their stats in the league which could lead to the hierarchy taking action.
The Red Devils remain as one of only two teams in the Premier League who are yet to register a clean sheet this term, with the issues at the back still plaguing the first-team.
Carrick’s side have also made the second-fewest number of clearances per 90 this campaign, which has no doubt played a part in their woeful defensive record.
Even in attacking areas, United have been just as lacklustre, as seen by their tally of just 10 goals in seven matches - but five of their goals came in their single win against the Tractor Boys.
The attackers have missed 67% of the big chances they have been presented with in front of goal this campaign, which ultimately sums up the struggles under Carrick in recent weeks.
How United can secure a better manager than Howe to replace Carrick
Should Carrick be handed his marching orders over the next couple of weeks, it’s vital the hierarchy make the right decision when choosing the man to replace him.
Eddie Howe has been continuously touted as a possible option for the Red Devils over recent years, after the impressive work he conducted during his time at Newcastle United.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match
His departure from the Magpies earlier this season could make a move easier to complete, but such a move depends on the 48-year-old’s desire to jump back into management.
However, INEOS should look past a possible move for the Englishman and put their focus on securing a deal to bring Antonio Conte back to the Premier League.
It was reported by talkSPORT that the former Chelsea manager would be open to the United’s manager’s job should he be offered it in the eventuality of Carrick’s departure.
Their report claims that the 57-year-old is currently keen to get back into top-level management after departing Serie A side Napoli back in June after a two-year tenure.
He is yet to be approached by the United hierarchy with Carrick still at the helm, but that could all change if the 45-year-old is given the boot in the weeks ahead.
Conte may be somewhat of an unpopular appointment amongst supporters at Old Trafford, but there’s no denying he’s a proven winner and one who will take the club back to their former glory.
antonio-conte
When comparing his stats to those of Howe in the Premier League, the Italian has dominated in various areas - which no doubt makes him a better manager for the Red Devils.
The 57-year-old has achieved a phenomenal 63% win rate in his 132 matches in England’s top-flight, a figure which is 20% higher than that of the former Newcastle boss.
Such a record saw him win the Premier League with Chelsea in 2016/17, subsequently winning 30 out of a possible 38 games as his 3-4-3 system took the division by storm.
How Conte & Howe compare in the Premier League
Stat
Matches
Wins
Draws
Losses
Win percentage
Points per game
Premier League titles
Best league finish
His front-footed attacking system has seen him also boast a better points-per-game record than that of Howe, whilst also seeing his sides score more goals per 90 - backing up Harry Kane's claim that he is "one of the best managers in the world."
As previously mentioned, United have been far too fragile at the back in recent weeks, with Conte able to fix such an issue better than Howe - as seen by his tally of fewer goals conceded per 90 in the Premier League.
conte-napoli-serie-a
Both are undoubtedly top-level managers given their various roles in the industry, but if the Red Devils are to end the vicious cycle they find themselves in, a move for the Italian should be a no-brainer.