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Manchester United are a club that feels like they are going round in circles, with manager after manager failing to direct them back towards the summit of the Premier League.
Michael Carrick is the latest to try his luck at Old Trafford, but after a run of eight games without a win, the 45-year-old looks as thought he could be handed his marching orders.
The supporters have voiced their frustrations at INEOS rather than Carrick in recent weeks, but until they accept responsibility for their failures, the merry-go-round of managers will continue.
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Why Carrick is now on borrowed time at United
They do say modern football is a cutthroat industry, and the current situation with Carrick at Manchester United is further evidence to back up the iconic saying.
Only last season, the former first-team star was tasked with picking up the baton after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim and subsequently led the Red Devils to third place in the Premier League.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim applauds fans before the match
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim applauds fans before the match
However, after games and only one win in England’s top-flight, the 45-year-old could well be sacked - with the manager looking emotional after applauding the fans at the final whistle.
Their sloppy defensive record over recent weeks has no doubt contributed to the pressure being placed on the head coach, with the Red Devils conceding the second-most set pieces in the division.
His side have looked threatening in numerous matches this term, as seen by their average of 5.1 shots on target per 90 to date - a figure which is the fifth highest of the 20 teams in the Premier League.
However, they have only managed to score with just 6% of those efforts during the first eight games of the new season, with the aforementioned tally the second lowest of any side.
Who United could turn to should Carrick be sacked
Despite Carrick still being in the role at present, rumours have been swirling around Old Trafford about who could be the man to fill the void should any decision be made in the near future.
The struggles aside, the Red Devils are still one of the most exciting clubs to manage given their stature, which has seen a host of elite coaches touted with the job.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks dejected after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks dejected after the match
Antonio Conte is name that has been extensively mentioned with the role, that’s despite the Italian coming out and denying rumours of talks being held in recent weeks.
He’s certainly not the only manager who has been of interest of late, with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann seemingly Christopher Vivell’s choice should Carrick depart.
Julian Nagelsmann - career stats
Team
TSG Hoffenheim
RB Leipzig
Bayern Munich
Germany
Senior career total
Both are free agents at present, which could see INEOS bypass any compensation package should they decide to make a change after the recent slump in form.
Why United must hire the “future England manager” to replace Carrick
You have to feel for Carrick given the struggles he’s endured over recent weeks, with the failed summer transfer window playing a part in United’s recent on-field demise.
The supporters have made their feelings clear that their issue lies with the board and not the 45-year-old, but like usual, it would be a surprise to see them take accountability.
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
They may see a managerial change as their final throw of the dice during their tenure, and if they are to make a change, it should see Eddie Howe be the man to fill the void.
The former Newcastle United boss has consistently been linked with the job at Old Trafford over recent years, but no move has ever materialised. That said, it has been made clear in the last week that he would be willing to join the club immediately.
However, that could all be about to change given the 48-year-old’s current availability following his departure from Tyneside ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
He may not be many of the supporters’ first choice should a change be made, but it could prove to be the correct call given his experience in the Premier League.
Howe transformed the Magpies from a relegation-threatened outfit into consistent European challengers - something which United desperately need to become once again.
His record in such a division also makes for excellent reading, with such figures making him the perfect man to lead the Red Devils into a new era and hopefully a successful one.
Eddie Howe with the Carabao Cup trophy
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
The Englishman has managed 369 games in such a division throughout his career, and managed to come out on top of 140 of those - resulting in a 38% win record.
He’s registered two top-five finishes during his managerial career, subsequently exceeding expectations consistently and allowing Newcastle to feature in the Champions League.
Such a record saw the 48-year-old receive huge praise during his recent managerial spell, with former Liverpool man Jamie Carragher dubbing him the “next England manager.”
Removing Carrick from the role would undoubtedly be a somewhat controversial call given his success last season, but INEOS may want to go in a different direction.
Should a change be made, Howe should be the man to replace him, but it remains unclear how high up in the current shortlist he is prior to any movement on Carrick’s future.
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