Michael Carrick's Manchester United future is hanging in the balance, with controversial co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Gary Neville also coming under fire
Time is running out for Michael Carrick at Manchester United
Time is running out for Michael Carrick at Manchester United
Michael Carrick looks set to lose his job as Manchester United manager following the humiliating 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Bournemouth. The defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday has left the fallen giants slumped in 16th in the Premier League, just one point clear of the relegation zone.
Goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson dealt the Red Devils a third defeat in four matches, extending their woeful winless run to eight games across all competitions. And while fans gave Carrick their backing as he left the pitch, singing the name of the club legend loudly before booing United's flops, it appears the former midfielder will be the one who pays the price for another abysmal showing.
The pressure on Carrick has intensified significantly, with United having claimed just two victories from their 12 outings this season. The club have amassed a meagre seven points from a possible 24, and have not tasted top-flight success since their victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town back in August. It's a far cry from his great run as interim manager earlier in the year, when he replaced Ruben Amorim and led United to a third place finish and back into the Champions League. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick may soon be departing Old Trafford(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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United chiefs set to fast-track sacking
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United's board are now poised to speed up the process of bringing in a new head coach, with those close to the club widely expecting Michael Carrick to be shown the door imminently.
A visibly downcast Carrick spoke after the final whistle against Bournemouth, appearing uncertain about whether he would remain in the hot seat for United's upcoming trip to Chelsea next Saturday.
His predicament has drawn sharp criticism from pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, both of whom have demanded the club pull the trigger and dismiss Carrick following yet another dismal result that leaves them just a single point above the relegation zone.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United's hierarchy believe a shake-up is necessary to turn around the club's fortunes, with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe emerging as the frontrunners, reports the Mirror.
However, the final call on Carrick's successor is expected to rest with director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, who will present their recommendation to co-owner Ratcliffe.
Rhodri Giggs' attack on Neville
Former England football player Gary Neville speaks with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on day two of the Labour Party Conference at the ACC
Gary Neville has often defended Sir Jim Ratcliffe(Image: Ian Forsyth, Getty Images)
Rhodri Giggs, sibling of Manchester United icon Ryan, has unleashed a foul-mouthed tirade against Gary Neville as the club's crisis deepens.
Following the Red Devils' defeat to Bournemouth, Rhodri, 49, took aim at Neville and United's ownership, slamming the former England full-back for not challenging Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
In a blistering message on X, he declared: "Gary Neville you're an absolute w****r. Prime Pep couldn't get a tune out of this lot. Call your mate Jim [Ratcliffe] out who got us into this mess further.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe(Image: Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)
"The owners are parasites and don't have a clue."
Controversial co-owner Ratcliffe's tenure at Old Trafford has been a failure since he completed a 27.7% minority stake purchase of the club in a deal worth £1.3billion in February 2024.
If Carrick is sacked, then his INEOS regime will have had four permanent managers in less than three years, during which time he has been slammed for cost-cutting measures and ticket price increases.
The billionaire tax exile has also come under fire for his contentious remarks about immigration and the UK economy.