MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United speaks during an interview at Carrington Training Ground on November 06, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United speaks during an interview at Carrington Training Ground on November 06, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United have the look of genuine relegation candidates, according to former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf.
The Red Devils dropped into the bottom three on Saturday following Nottingham Forest’s shock victory against Manchester City at the City Ground.
United host Aston Villa at Old Trafford this afternoon and defeat would see Michael Carrick’s side reside in the drop zone over the course of the upcoming international break.
The former United midfielder oversaw a dramatic upturn in results when he was appointed interim boss last term and a superb run culminated in Champions League qualification.
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Carrick has been unable to maintain that momentum, however, and looked destined to lose his job following a 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth a fortnight ago.
Instead, the 45-year-old earned a stay of execution but the United board may be forced to act if his ailing side suffers another setback today that would confirm their status as relegation material.
‘It’s been a while since you had to panic because we saw the games that they had,’ Leboeuf told ESPNFC.
Will Man Utd get relegated?
LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, interact following the team's draw in the Premier League 2026/27 match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on October 18, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, interact following the team's draw in the Premier League 2026/27 match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on October 18, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
‘There is reason to panic and it’s been like that for a while.
‘Nothing is getting good, we don’t see any improvement, we don’t see how it can be better.
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‘Again, I’m all for Michael Carrick. But there is a time when there will be no other choices but getting rid of him.
[Mandatory Credit: Photo by Cesar Cebolla/PRESSINPHOTO/Shutterstock (17214228af) Michael Carrick, head coach of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League match between Atletico de Madrid and Manchester United FC played at Riyadh Metropolitano Stadium on 13 Oct 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Cesar Cebolla / PRESSINPHOTO) ESP: Atletico de Madrid v Manchester United FC. UEFA Champions League. Matchday 2., Riyadh Metropolitano Stadium, Spain - 13 Oct 2026
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Cesar Cebolla/PRESSINPHOTO/Shutterstock (17214228af) Michael Carrick, head coach of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League match between Atletico de Madrid and Manchester United FC played at Riyadh Metropolitano Stadium on 13 Oct 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Cesar Cebolla / PRESSINPHOTO) ESP: Atletico de Madrid v Manchester United FC. UEFA Champions League. Matchday 2., Riyadh Metropolitano Stadium, Spain - 13 Oct 2026](https://metro.co.uk/2026/11/06/former-arsenal-star-urged-reject-man-utd-transfer-it-set-back-29773130/)
‘You can’t get rid of those players who don’t deserve to play for Manchester United, who aren’t good enough for Manchester United.
‘They don’t have the guts, the courage, the pride of fighting for the club.
‘I don’t see any solution, I don’t see anything getting good and if they carry on like that you could see Manchester United getting relegated which is amazing.’