Michael Carrick’s Manchester United future clouded by dressing-room unrest

Michael Carrick continued to arrive at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground in his training kit this week while the club considered his future behind closed doors in Monaco and Manchester.

The former midfielder increasingly appeared to be a “dead man walking” during the two weeks’ grace given to him by the board after the 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth.

Sources close to the Manchester United dressing room believe Carrick was “left to face his fate alone” as uncertainty over his position grew and the club made discreet attempts to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as his successor, according to the Daily Mail.

Carrick took charge in mid-January after being recalled from a holiday in Barbados to serve as caretaker manager. He was handed a two-year contract in May after guiding the club to third place in the previous season and securing qualification for the Champions League.

However, his tenure lasted less than 10 months before an initially positive relationship with the club deteriorated into a major crisis.

Results and internal tensions

Pressure increased after a run of poor results that began with defeat by Hull City in August. Manchester United also surrendered a lead against Brighton, exited the League Cup and lost European matches against Atletico Madrid and Como.

Late goals conceded against Everton and Tottenham added to the concern, while a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, in which Manchester United twice fought back from two goals down, further alarmed club officials. The team had conceded 15 goals in its previous four matches.

The club’s return flight from Madrid, following a 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid, was marked by tension. Several players were involved in an argument on board, an incident that reflected the depth of frustration and division within the squad.

The confrontation was one of a number of disagreements, some of which became public while others remained behind the scenes as results worsened and scrutiny of Carrick intensified.

Criticism also focused on the training programme delivered by Carrick and his staff. Some players felt standards had fallen, while others questioned whether a possession-based 4-2-4 system suited the squad’s capabilities.

There were also concerns about the limited opportunities given to academy players, despite Carrick’s stated commitment to the youth system. Harry Amass was not given enough chances, Shea Lacey’s return was delayed and the circumstances surrounding JJ Gabriel’s departure prompted further debate.

Carrick is not considered solely responsible for the collapse, with the Daily Mail also pointing to disorder and conflict within the club’s administration.

Director of football Jason Wilcox and recruitment director Christopher Vivell reportedly disagreed over Carrick’s replacement, while the Glazer family became increasingly unhappy with the way Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos were running the club.

Carrick also failed to receive the support he wanted in the summer transfer window. Manchester United were unable to sign his first-choice midfield target, Elliot Anderson, and instead recruited Youri Tielemans and Andre Santos.