Manchester United are surely getting closer to realizing that the decision to hire Michael Carrick permanently was wrong.
After the sacking of Ruben Amorim a bit out last season, the choice was finally between a return for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was arguably the best manager since Sir Alex Fergusom and his assistant and former teammate Michael Carrick. The choice fell on Carrick and now another of the Norwegian manager’s assistants has been suggested for the job by Givemesport.
Carrick did very well in his interim tenure, winning 12 of his 17 games as manager last season – helping the team to a third-place finish in the Premier League and return to the Champions League after two consecutive seasons out of the tournament.
Read: Antonio Nusa is reported ready for the big Premier League step
However, since United made him permanent in the summer, the club has won just two games in all competitions. The Red Devils won 5-2 over newly promoted Ipswich Town and beat Azerbaijani side Sabah 4-0 in the Champions League, but have now gone winless since that game – after losses to Man City and Brighton, while also holding to draws against Fulham and Tottenham.
There are serious question marks surrounding Carrick’s qualifications for the role, considering his time at Middlesbrough is hardly considered an exciting success. But he has also struggled to implement any clear style of play since taking over, has been unable to stop the defence from being so leaky, and struggles to see his team score freely.
The summer transfer window certainly didn’t help him, with the board failing to give him all the pieces he needs to be competitive. But a manager’s job is to make the best of what you’ve got – and he simply doesn’t.
There has been speculation that the club are looking at a transfer for Antonio Conte as a potential replacement. The Italian has won both the Premier League and Serie A, and has a reputation for being one of the best.
But Conte’s explosive attitude and strong demands eventually ended with everything being torn up and destroyed from within – and that’s not what the club needs.
However, there are several top managers available right now who would be better options, and there is one in particular that the club should look extra carefully at bringing in if they get the opportunity.
Read on F7: United legend can’t stand any more Manchester City games: “Hangs a dark cloud over the entire Premier League”
Manchester United must appoint Kieran McKenna
One of the best young managers in Europe is Kieran McKenna, who made a name for himself as a youth coach at Old Trafford before eventually becoming an assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – before leading Ipswich to three promotions in four seasons.
McKenna left Portman Road in the summer because he wanted a break from football, but he was spotted at Old Trafford watching the team earlier in the season. If he manages to be persuaded to return, he could be an ideal candidate.
The Northern Irishman knows the club well, knows the requirements and knows what expectations will be placed on him. But he also has a very clear style of play that suits English football and the Premier League, and will undoubtedly carry on the traditions of the first team and academy.
Described as “world class”, McKenna would have welcomed the opportunity to take over at a big club – and United would have the opportunity to save the season by making the decision quickly.
Tonight, Tuesday, Manchester United face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, a loss or a draw will further weaken Carrick’s position.
