David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Manchester United's owners at INEOS do not currently plan to sack manager Michael Carrick.
The team has made a disappointing start to the season, accumulating just six points from six Premier League matches, exiting the League Cup at the hands of Brighton, and suffering a 2-0 defeat to Atletico in the Champions League.
Ornstein provided a detailed analysis of the current situation surrounding Carrick at Old Trafford.
At Manchester United, you're consistently under pressure from owners, hierarchy, coaches, staff, and players. This reflects the high expectations. Carrick knows this better than anyone. He is fully aware of the stakes involved in this environment; it’s a results-driven business.
No matter how commendable the intentions of the United hierarchy or their goodwill towards him, he will ultimately be judged on his results. And those who preceded him have paid the price for not getting the desired outcomes. He needs to rectify the situation.
I have no knowledge of any desire to part ways with Carrick. On the contrary, they fully back him and want him to be successful. However, that support can wane if results don't improve. Concerns will naturally arise regarding performances.
What we witnessed against Tottenham was certainly not acceptable for Carrick or the powers that be. Fans were genuinely dissatisfied; we all heard it, saw it, and read about it. I know many United supporters and I felt their frustration.
Questions will also be directed at the club’s structure: the scouts, executives, and owners. The saying rings true — a fish rots from the head down. The Glazers remain in control, even as many point fingers at Sir Jim Ratcliffe, quite rightly in the spotlight.
From the CEO down to the sporting director, individuals need to take responsibility rather than merely shifting the blame towards the manager. The players do too. We've been in this position plenty of times before, and it’s often the manager who carries the can.
If a slump occurs or struggles persist, United will undoubtedly become a hot topic again. They have a grand match coming up this weekend and Carrick will be hoping for a positive result. I genuinely believe the goodwill extended to him gives him some time and faith. However, at a club of this stature, if you're not delivering results, you will pay the price.
