Manchester United's Manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford
Manchester United's Manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick's future at Manchester United is still hanging by a thread after the Reds suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth on Sunday. Three-hour crunch talks between the 45-year-old and the Red Devils hierarchy failed to bring a resolution with no clarity surrounding his position.
Carrick was at Carrington to watch United's under-21s, with first-team players included, take on Hull City. Meanwhile, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox were at the training complex at a time when pressure is mounting on the head coach.
With United's humiliation on home soil, Bournemouth ran out comfortable winners and now the likes of Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are reportedly being lined up as potential successors.
Carrick faces the sack after United extended their winless run to seven matches. They have dropped to 16th in the Premier League table on just seven points from a possible 24.
Stay tuned for all the latest on Manchester United's managerial search...
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Key Events
Rooney: 'Put a f****** firework up their a*** - they're not doing anything'
Wayne Rooney has launched a foul-mouthed, angry rant, digging out players within the Manchester United dressing room for not caring.
He said: "The players haven't got a leg to stand on. What's not fair is the performances they're giving. I looked at the fans, you could see the pain and anger in their faces when them players are walking around the football pitch. You see Martinez when Rayan ran round him, they're not getting to the ball, it's so frustrating.
"I could score a goal, had ability or whatever, at least I f****** ran and put myself about as a team. These players are not doing that. I'd love to go in that dressing room, walk in that dressing room and say, 'what the f*** are use all doing?' What type of performances do you think this is? Do you think you deserve to wear the shirt? Put a f****** firework up their a*** because they're not doing anything.
"We're seeing players who are numb, look like they've got no emotion, look like they don't care, some of them might care, some good lads who are getting dragged down. It's so frustrating to watch."
(Image: Getty Images)
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has criticised Michael Carrick for dropping Bruno Fernandes and 'adding to the circus' surrounding the club.
Speaking on the News Agents podcast, he said: “The energy was high, and Bournemouth themselves, I think they'd been unbeaten in the last five games at Old Trafford. Which is something that when I was younger I thought would never be the case for any football club on planet Earth, but apparently for Bournemouth, that's just, you know, the way that the 2020s are going for them.
“When you put him on the bench, like every camera is on Bruno Fernandes: Here's Bruno Fernandes arriving at the stadium, here he is walking down the tunnel to do a warm-up, here he is giving a ball away; what's his reaction like in the warm-up? Here he is sitting down. And it, like, added part of the circus.
"Bruno Fernandes, the captain, doesn't even get a single minute on the field because the manager decided there's no scenario where this was the right sort of player to have on. So yeah, the circus did continue."
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes was named as an unused substitute vs Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney may be in Dubai but he continues to fulfil his duties with The Overlap on their Stick to United podcast.
And he pulled no punches at the squad or owners.
He said: "We're not that Manchester United, look a million miles from the previous winning teams, the fundamentals of the game still have to be there. It's at best a mid-table team but if you look at all the mid-table teams, what do they get? They get players working hard, running, tackling and I keep saying it, going back to the basics. These players think they're better than what they are.
"Unfortunately, what happened when Michael Carrick came in at the start is that it's gave them players and the board false hope that they are get enough. He's done well, stuck together, managed somehow to finish third, then the board are thinking, 'we're a top four team' when in reality they're miles away from it. You knew Luke Shaw wasn't going to play all the games, Harry Maguire and Martinez would struggle with Champions League football, so why on earthy aren't you helping the players?
"Then you could say to Harry Maguire, 'we're going to keep you for the Premier League' and bring someone in to play Champions League football to balance the squad out, they haven't done that. You're deluded if they think the front three are good enough.
"They wanted Premier League players, they've brought lads from Wolves, Brentford, who have done well but for signings to take this Manchester United team to the next level, you're living in cuckoo land if you think they're going to achieve that. The squad is absolutely a million miles away.
"The worst thing for Michael Carrick, he's gave the board a bit of hope when in reality, they needed a big overhaul and have done for years. The midfield, spending that amount on them midfielders, is absolutely crazy.
"I feel for Michael, he's being let down, he hasn't been good enough but the players have let him down massively."
Wayne Rooney speaking into a camera
(Image: The United Stand)
Jason Wilcox is the latest to be pictured arriving at Carrington this morning.
The Manchester United chief is underfire from supporters after the failings in the transfer window.
Wilcox was said to be alongside Omar Berrada in lengthy discussions over Michael Carrick's future, although the 45-year-old appears to be taking training today.
(Image: Annabel Lee-Ellis/Press Association. EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no )
Gabby Agbonlahor has a message for Eddie Howe.
The talkSPORT pundit and former Premier League Player of the Month has a particular demand, too.
He said: "The problem we've got now is that he dropped Bruno Fernandes and look how bad they were still. I've seen Bruno Fernandes liking something on Instagram earlier where it was a little dig about loyalty.
"They know it is untenable now with Michael Carrick. He has to go, but if I'm Eddie Howe, what a position I'm in. You definitely have to take the job, but I'm saying I'm taking it. But you know what? I want the control that Unai Emery's got at Aston Villa. I want the whole package.
"I want promises that in January that I can buy this, this and this. These idiots that are in the squad, put them in the Under-10s, let them train with the kids. Give me everything I want and I'll take the job. If you don't get that Eddie Howe, stay clear of it."
Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe left Newcastle in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick arrives at Carrington
Michael Carrick arrived at Carrington this morning wearing his Manchester United tracksuit, according to Manchester Evening News' Tyrone Marshall.
It's another crucial day for United and his tenure.
Chelsea host the Red Devils on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off).
(Image: Annabel Lee-Ellis/Press Association.)
Howe much will he cost?
Even though Eddie Howe is on the market, he doesn't come cheap.
The Telegraph has reported that United would have to pay compensation to land the former Newcastle United boss under the terms of his Magpies exit in July.
Howe left St James' Park on the eve of the new season, having had a number of years left on his contract.
The initial fee stood at about £6million while the outlet claims it could be reduced to £3m.
Newcastle are said to have factored in a degree of protection in the event that he ended up at a rival in the following months.
Eddie Howe lifts the Carabao Cup trophy.
(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Paul Scholes endorses Antonio Conte appointment
Paul Scholes has nailed his colours to the mast regarding Michael Carrick's successor at Manchester United.
The legendary midfielder has called for Antonio Conte to join the Red Devils and steer them forward.
He said: "Well, you'd have to pick a manager that you think could get us back to the good old days, or to being a competitive Premier League team.
"Antonio Conte is that man, but he comes with a massive warning, doesn't he? He's made noises that he wants to come. He's been talking to press, and I'm pretty sure the club would have spoken to him. I'm pretty sure the club would have spoken to all of them.
"I can't understand why he'd want this job because I don't think the team's good enough for him.
"When I'm talking best in class, and you talk those four, I think Antonio Conte's miles ahead of all of them.
"You think Juventus. He went to Napoli and goes and wins a league with them. Look, he's volatile. I know he's volatile and he might be a bit of a madman. But when you're talking about successful managers at top clubs, he's streets ahead."
Antonio Conte coach of SSC Napoli after the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
Antonio Conte coach of SSC Napoli after the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona(Image: Getty)
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has faced links with the Man United job in recent weeks.
But on social media, there has since been the suggestion that he sent a reminder, and maybe unofficially ruled himself out of the running.
He said: “Yes it is a new suit, it’s an Aston Villa suit.
“I am pleased as it is comfortable and as well it is something that makes us proud.
“I worked to be here. Of course, grateful to all the coaches that were working with me, all the players that worked with me, and now especially Aston Villa, because Aston Villa is where I am feeling so, so comfortable and well, improving, improving in my career as a coach.”
Unai Emery at the Ballon d'Or awards in London.
Unai Emery at the Ballon d'Or awards in London.(Image: Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
The Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann internal battle
The Times has reported that Julian Nagelsmann is receiving a "growing level of support" at Old Trafford.
Jason Wilcox has been said to have preferred Eddie Howe as the option to replace Michael Carrick, while head of recruitment Christopher Vivell had put his former RB Leipzig colleague forward.
Equally, Howe also has the support of senior figures at Old Trafford with Wilcox championing his Premier League experience.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: Julian Nagelsmann of Germany reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick still in charge and preparing for Chelsea
The Independent has reported that Michael Carrick is preparing Manchester United to take on Chelsea.
After a day off on Monday, United's players will be back at Carrington for training on Tuesday. Bruno Fernandes was among the first-teamers to be at the training complex on Monday but was receiving treatment.
United's hierarchy are reportedly sounding out replacements for Carrick.
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
The Daily Mail has reported that Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is in limbo after crisis talks on Monday.
Huge pressure remains on Carrick but it is "unclear" if a final decision has been reached. Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox held conference calls with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Joel and Avram Glazer.
Carrick is said to have watched on with assistant manager Steve Holland, having arrived 10 minutes before kick-off and leaving shortly after Wilcox.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick after the loss to Bournemouth, which looks like being his last match(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Good morning
Good morning.
Hello and welcome to our dedicated Manchester United blog as we bring you all the latest surrounding manager Michael Carrick.
It is now almost 48 hours after the 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Bournemouth and for United, no announcement regarding his future has been communicated.