Manchester United find themselves in the throes of a deep systemic crisis. The expected sacking of Michael Carrick seems inevitable, but will a mere change of manager resolve the club's myriad issues? Experts believe that a real revival necessitates the departure of up to 10 individuals, spanning the coaching staff, players, senior hierarchy, and ownership.
1. Michael Carrick
Sacking the manager is the most obvious first step. While having the "club's DNA" is a nice bonus, it shouldn't be the reason for trusting him with such a crucial role. The team needs a hard-hitting specialist like Antonio Conte, who can restore order.
2. Jason Wilcox
The technical director has a vague list of responsibilities. He has faced public criticism from Lisandro Martinez over the club's failures in the transfer market. Furthermore, Wilcox is lobbying for Eddie Howe's appointment, which has already raised eyebrows.
3. Omar Berrada
Since his arrival from Manchester City in 2024, the CEO has failed to deliver any measurable progress. The club is stuck in a loop, constantly changing managers without a clear strategy.
4. Christopher Vivell
The head of recruitment's role is under scrutiny. Reports suggest he supports bringing in Julian Nagelsmann, but his opinion is being overlooked by those backing Eddie Howe.
5. Sir Jim Ratcliffe
The British billionaire was expected to be a saviour, but he is currently only making petty financial decisions while watching the club's legacy slip away. His grand plans for a new stadium seem detached from reality.
6. The Glazer family
The primary villains in the club's decline. By selling 25% of INEOS, they have allowed Ratcliffe to absorb public backlash, all while continuing to drain the club of its funds without taking responsibility for humiliating defeats like the 0-3 loss to Bournemouth.
7. Lisandro Martinez
While the Argentine justifiably critiqued the hierarchy, his own form has been lacking. With his contract expiring next summer, an extension seems unlikely.
8. Harry Maguire
The 33-year-old defender remains a symbol of the club's stagnation. The fact that the club still relies on the same defensive unit that suffered during the 2022 annihilation by Brentford speaks volumes. His deal is also up in the summer.
9. Tom Heaton
Since his arrival in 2021, when the club finished second, everything has gone downhill. Coincidence?
10. Jonny Evans
Another keeper of the "United DNA" in Carrick's ranks. He urgently needs to exit the club before he is inevitably made interim manager in a couple of years.
