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Carrick on brink of sack as Man Utd line up replacements

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are among the names in the frame if United confirm their second managerial sacking in a year

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Michael Carrick unsure what future holds after Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth

Michael Carrick unsure what future holds after Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth

Michael Carrick on the brink of the sack as Manchester United manager following the humbling 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.

Carrick dropped Bruno Fernandes following the United captain’s criticism of his manager’s tactics following the dismal 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, but the move backfired as another abject performance from his players continued their winless run.

United now dwindle in 16th in the Premier League, just two points above the relegation zone, with the fans at Old Trafford turning on the squad and largely giving Carrick their support following the Bournemouth defeat. Fernandes’ comments came shortly after Lisandro Martinez took aim at the United hierarchy following defeat at Atletico Madrid.

Carrick initially returned to Old Trafford as interim manager – his second stint in caretaker role – after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim at the beginning of the year. He was rewarded with the full-time position after guiding United to third in the Premier League last term but results have dipped this season and the club have now gone eight games without a win.

Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is currently leading the list of possible replacements, while former Germany and Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is also available. United may also turn to another interim appointment, the same situation they were in 10 months ago.

Follow the latest updates and news from Manchester United, below:

Michael Carrick latest: Man Utd manager on the brink as club line up replacements

Michael Carrick on the brink of sack as Man Utd manager after 10 months in charge

United were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth on Sunday and are winless in eight games

Carrick's tactics were questioned by captain Bruno Fernandes in humbling 4-1 defeat to Como

United searching for third manager in 12 months as Eddie Howes lead shortlist

2 minutes ago

Next Man United manager: Who could replace Michael Carrick?

While the problems Manchester United face run far deeper than the head coach – as highlighted by defender Lisandro Martinez after the defeat to Atletico Madrid earlier this month – Michael Carrick’s appears to be on the brink following criticism of his tactics by the United captain Bruno Fernandes, who was then left on the bench against Bournemouth.

While Carrick remained in charge for Sunday’s defeat to the Cherries, the club have already discussed potential replacements should he follow the departures of Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim under the Ineos leadership.

Next Man United manager: Who could replace Michael Carrick?

Carrick is under huge pressure as Sunday’s home defeat to Bournemouth extended United’s winless run to eight games in all competitions

Jamie Braidwood26 October 2026 08:14

17 minutes ago

Michael Carrick reveals talks with United hierarchy

Following the defeat to Bournemouth Michael Carrick said he had only had a short conversation after the game with the Manchester United hierarchy and is not sure if chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox will dismiss him.

“Just briefly like always after a game, but nothing out of the ordinary,” he added. “I will see what happens. I totally understand the situation.

“I'm not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I am carrying on as normal. I love this place. I'll 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.”

( Reuters )

Richard Jolly, Senior Football Correspondent26 October 2026 07:59

31 minutes ago

Michael Carrick's reaction: Waving to fans ‘wasn’t a farewell’

Michael Carrick insisted he was not saying farewell to Manchester United after their 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth but admitted he does not know if he will be sacked.

United have made their worst start to a season for 40 years and lost their last two games by three goals, following Wednesday’s 4-1 thrashing by Como, and Carrick was taunted by Bournemouth supporters with chants of “sacked in the morning”.

He was still serenaded by United fans as he went down the tunnel but claimed: “It wasn't a farewell from me.”

Michael Carrick says waving to fans after Bournemouth thrashing ‘wasn’t a farewell’

Head coach Michael Carrick was still serenaded by supportive fans inside Old Trafford but conceded he was unsure if he would keep his job

Richard Jolly, Senior Football Correspondent26 October 2026 07:46

36 minutes ago

Man United’s latest abject display spells the end for Michael Carrick after huge call backfires

For Michael Carrick, it is now a question of when, not if. When the axe falls, when he reverts from being head coach of Manchester United to a season-ticket holder, presumably despairing of the next manager, when he pays the price for a calamity of a start to this season.

Read Richard Jolly’s match report from Old Trafford, below

Man Utd’s latest abject display spells the end for Carrick after huge call backfires

Man United 0-3 Bournemouth: The Cherries outclassed United and it’s hard to see how Carrick, who dropped captain Bruno Fernandes after his midweek comments, can survive

Richard Jolly, at Old Trafford26 October 2026 07:41

37 minutes ago

Good morning

It feels a matter of when, not if, Michael Carrick departs Manchester United following the club’s latest dismal defeat – this time to Bournemouth the Premier League on Sunday.

Carrick made the huge call to drop captain Bruno Fernandes from his starting line-up but United still produced an abject performance and were swept aside with ease.

It’s now eight games without a win for United, with three defeats from four, and their season has truly fallen off the tracks.

We’ll have all the latest news and developments from Old Trafford this morning.

Michael Carrick acknowledges the fans (Martin Rickett/PA)

Michael Carrick acknowledges the fans (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

Jamie Braidwood26 October 2026 07:40

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