Michael Carrick's Struggles at Manchester United: Defeat to Como Signals Possible End
After a crushing 4-1 defeat to Como in Champions League action, Michael Carrick's future as Manchester United manager appears increasingly uncertain. This loss not only adds to a series of poor results this season but also tarnishes the club’s prestigious European reputation.
The 45-year-old ex-midfielder acknowledged the gravity of the situation by apologizing to fans at the stadium following the match. Given the downward spiral, it seems unlikely the club will continue under Carrick’s leadership much longer.
What Has Gone Wrong Under Michael Carrick?
One major shift this season has been Carrick’s noticeably passive tactics compared to his interim spell last season. During that half-season, Man United ranked sixth in the Premier League for limiting opponent buildup pass completion outside the final third, pressuring rival teams and disrupting their attacks.
This season, that metric worsened to 83.1%, dropping United to 14th place in the league. Opponents are now able to build plays more comfortably against United’s defense. Additionally, United generates just 16.7 opposition turnovers per game in the attacking third, which is among the worst figures across Europe’s top five leagues. The team rarely challenges opponents' possession or aggressively recovers the ball in dangerous areas.
Weak Defensive Performance
Defensively, United’s record is grim. They have managed only one clean sheet all season—against Azerbaijan’s Sabah in their Champions League opener. In seven Premier League games, they have conceded 10 goals without a single shutout. Across all competitions, they have allowed two or more goals in six matches.
Though they concede few shots, the quality of chances given up remains high, which opponents exploit effectively. After conceding four goals to Como away, improvement looks doubtful, suggesting this defensive frailty may be the team's current reality.
Insufficient Squad Depth
While Carrick bears responsibility, the club’s management must also answer for providing limited resources. Injuries to key players like Manuel Ugarte (ACL tear), Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, and others further weaken the squad.
The bench during the Como match included Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton, Daniel Armer, Jayden Kamason, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, and Tynan Thompson—all unused. Substitute appearances were made by Carlos Baleba, Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee, Harry Amass, and Shea Lacey. Such depth is insufficient for a top Premier League side competing in Europe.
New signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans started but failed to impress, with Tielemans receiving criticism for his form.
Last season, Carrick managed better results partly due to a lighter schedule, but juggling Premier League and European commitments this season has exposed the squad’s weaknesses.
Potential Successors to Michael Carrick
If Carrick is dismissed soon, either after the Como defeat or following upcoming matches against Bournemouth and Chelsea, several candidates have been suggested to take over.
- Eddie Howe: Currently unattached after leaving Newcastle in the summer, he is a logical option but no official reports confirm interest.
- Antonio Conte: Experienced in the Premier League but left Tottenham suddenly amid personal issues.
- Julian Nagelsmann: Has only managed in Germany and was recently dismissed from the national team after a disappointing World Cup.
- Kieran McKenna: Would be stepping into his first major club role, having only managed Ipswich Town.
Gareth Southgate has expressed no desire to return to club football, while Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler would be difficult to secure midseason given his team’s strong start.
