What’s Next for Michael Carrick at Manchester United?
After Manchester United’s 3-0 loss at home to Bournemouth on Sunday, many thought Michael Carrick’s time as manager was nearly over. Fans and media alike expected the club to announce his departure by Monday, but no official word came.
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell reports that Carrick is still set to lead training sessions this Tuesday. That said, there is no certainty he will manage the team when they face Chelsea later this weekend. Club leaders are in intense discussions about his role but have not yet made a final call.
Potential Replacements Being Considered
Manchester United has already started exploring options beyond Carrick. Eddie Howe appears to be the frontrunner, with director of football Jason Wilcox backing him for the position. Julian Nagelsmann is also in the mix; he recently stepped down as Germany’s national coach after their early exit from the World Cup and is available.
Other names linked to the job include Fabian Hurzeler and Unai Emery, though their current clubs would demand hefty fees for their release.
Reasons to Keep Carrick
The Red Devils have had a dismal start to the 2026-27 season, sitting just one point above the relegation zone and winning only one out of eight league games. Still, the responsibility for this slump cannot fall solely on Carrick’s shoulders.
The club’s management failed to support him in the transfer window, refusing to sign even a striker or a left-back. Meanwhile, players seem reluctant to take full responsibility for poor performances, often shifting blame onto the coach and board during interviews.
Removing Carrick might not fix Manchester United’s deeper problems. The club’s habit of frequently changing managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 has yet to yield positive results, despite bringing in several high-profile coaches.
