(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon will seemingly mark the final game in Michael Carrick’s short-lived tenure.
Less than a year after he was appointed to steady the ship in the aftermath of Ruben Amorim’s sacking, the former Red is facing the same fate himself.
Michael Carrick: The state of play
COMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 21: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, reacts after during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Como 1907 and Manchester United at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 21, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Sky Sports News shared an update last night claiming Carrick’s future as United manager was ‘hanging by a thread’.
It’s said that INEOS had already decided they wanted to part ways with him before the defeat to the Cherries, but the side’s dismal display set it in stone.
At full-time, Carrick was serenaded by the Old Trafford faithful with his chant while he made his way around the stadium applauding supporters, who swiftly switched to loud booing when the manager departed down the tunnel and the players made their way off the pitch.
Emotional exit by Michael Carrick as fans sing his name. A farewell? Supporters turn on players once Carrick down tunnel.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/WLYqqHg6vF — Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) October 25, 2026
The result left United 16th-placed in the Premier League table after eight matches, while they also sit 20th in the Champions League rankings, having lost their last two group-phase games.
United chiefs shortlist two potential replacements
(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
In regard to who is set to take over, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are now favourites.
Unai Emery has been considered, but he is fully committed to staying at Aston Villa.
Michael Carrick's future as Manchester United head coach is hanging by a thread. Sky Sports News understands that United's bosses were already considering alternatives for the head coach role even before the defeat to Bournemouth amid the club's worst-ever start to a Premier… pic.twitter.com/ad2LwnLGaj — Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 25, 2026
Howe and Nagelsmann are both free agents, making INEOS’ life easier when it comes to negotiations.
When directly asked whether he was expecting to be relieved of his duties by reporters post-match, Carrick said: “I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I’m carrying on as normal and, you know, I love this place.
“I always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club. Whatever decision is made on anything, really.
“So that’s kind of it. You know, I’m not expecting anything either way.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe with Man Utd officials Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox
Michael Carrick charging the troops
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, talks with Steve Holland, Assistant Coach of Manchester United during the training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 at Carrington Training Ground on October 12, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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