What’s Next for Michael Carrick at Manchester United?

After Manchester United’s 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth on Sunday, Michael Carrick seemed close to being dismissed. Fans and media expected an official announcement about his departure on Monday, but that did not occur.

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell reports that Carrick is still set to lead training sessions on Tuesday. Yet, no assurance exists that he will manage the team in their upcoming match against Chelsea this weekend.

Club's Internal Discussions and Possible Replacements

The decision-makers at Manchester United are having serious talks about Carrick’s future, though they haven’t made a final call yet. The club has already explored possible replacements for the 45-year-old manager.

• Eddie Howe is reportedly the leading candidate for the Old Trafford position, with the director of football, Jason Wilcox, supporting his hire.
• Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down as Germany's head coach after an early World Cup exit, is also considered a strong contender.
• Fabian Hurzeler and Unai Emery have been mentioned as options, but their current clubs would demand high compensation fees.

Why Manchester United Should Keep Carrick

The Red Devils have struggled this season, sitting just one point above the relegation zone after winning only one of their eight Premier League games. While Carrick faces criticism, he isn’t the only factor behind the poor results.

The club’s management did not support him adequately in the transfer market, refusing to sign even a striker or left-back. Meanwhile, some players appear more focused on shifting blame onto the coach and board rather than improving their performances on the pitch.

Sacking Carrick won’t fix United’s problems. The issues run deeper within the club’s structure. Frequent managerial changes since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 have not brought the success the club desires.