Sporten.com’ve always been clear about who we think should take over the manager’s chair at Old Trafford, but it doesn’t seem like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a candidate right now.
Most people believe in former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, but then they need to gas on where Manchester United are not alone in wanting his services.
Read: Manchester City are chasing Erling Haaland’s heir – ready with €50 million
Sporting director Jason Wilcox, who himself has been heavily criticised for not bringing players to key positions this summer, has the backing of INEOS boss and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he assesses the situation at Old Trafford. The club management is willing to stand by his assessment if he concludes that a change is needed on the bench.
United sources still insist that Michael Carrick has the club’s backing, after he was hired as permanent manager at the end of last season after leading the Red Devils to the Champions League final.
However, the support comes against a very difficult start to the new campaign. United have had their worst league start since 1986, have already been knocked out of the League Cup, and were then humiliated 4-1 by Cesc Fabregas’ Como in the Champions League on Wednesday – in a performance that was probably their worst this season.
Manchester United are not planning for an immediate change of manager.
But the next four games are considered crucial, with the November international break approaching and increasing pressure on Carrick’s team to deliver a response.
Manchester United face Bournemouth at Old Trafford this weekend in what is now considered a must-win game, before facing Chelsea and Aston Villa. They will also face Roma in the Champions League – a demanding run of games as Carrick tries to turn the mood around at the club.
Jason Wilcox still supports Carrick at this stage. At the same time, there is a recognition that the squad is not yet where the club wanted, with recruitment decisions from the summer still part of the bigger picture.
United wanted to bring in a new striker and a left-back even though the transfer window was entering its final days, despite having secured their three preferred midfield targets. The feeling was that further reinforcements were needed to give the manager the squad needed to compete on multiple fronts.
Ultimately, they acknowledge that they left the manager without the necessary toolbox – and that will play a role in assessing what happens next.
Carrick under pressure: Wardrobe support and cracks
There have also been signs of support for Carrick from the dressing room. Lisandro Martínez’s comments after the loss to Atlético Madrid were seen as support for the manager, while sources told TEAMtalk that the players are still behind him.
However, the Como defeat has intensified scrutiny of Carrick’s approach. Captain Bruno Fernandes appeared to question the manager’s tactics after United once again conceded goals in the opening minutes of a European game.
United became the first English team in history to concede a goal in the first two minutes of consecutive European matches – underlining the defensive issues that have contributed to their disappointing season.
Alternate manager names are circulating
Although Carrick currently retains the club’s support, TEAMtalk can also reveal that alternative manager options are being proposed for United. Wilcox and recruitment director Christopher Vivell are aware of the candidates being presented, and discussions about possible options are ongoing as the club considers its position.
One of those options is Antonio Conte. As TEAMtalk has previously reported, the former Tottenham manager wants the United job, and sources have confirmed that his camp is working hard to advance its cause. Contact is regular, and Conte’s representatives continue to push their interests.
Conte’s situation is therefore something United will have to consider if they decide to change manager – although there is currently no indication that the club is preparing to act immediately.
Another name to keep an eye on is Eddie Howe. TEAMtalk has previously revealed that the former Newcastle manager is ready to return to football for the right project. Whether he sees Old Trafford as the right opportunity remains unclear.
Conclusion: Support – but with an open door
For now, the main difference is that United are not actively seeking to replace Carrick, and Wilcox continues to support him. But sources have made it clear to TEAMtalk that the director of football has Ratcliffe’s support if he comes to a different conclusion.
INEOS is ready to back Wilcox’s assessment of Carrick’s future. That does not mean that a change of coach is imminent – but it does mean that the decision will have the support of the club’s ownership if Wilcox ultimately decides that a new direction is needed.
Carrick’s immediate task is to improve results in a crucial period of matches. Meanwhile, Wilcox is assessing the situation, with potential replacements already proposed and United’s management ready to support him if his current position changes.
