Michael Carrick’s time as Manchester United head coach could be coming to an end, with his future set to be discussed at a meeting in Monaco on Wednesday. Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are expected to attend, with a decision possibly not arriving until Thursday.
Under pressure after a chaotic draw
The pressure on Carrick intensified after United slipped to 18th in the Premier League following a wild 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday. BBC Sport reported on Monday that there was growing expectation that chief executive Berrada and director of football Wilcox would recommend to minority owner Ratcliffe and the Glazer family that Carrick be dismissed.
According to the reports, the meeting was already scheduled and was not organised purely to discuss the manager’s position. Should the decision to sack him be taken, the club want to deliver the news to him in person.
A dismal start to the season
United have endured their worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years. With just one win from 10 Premier League matches, they are only a point above bottom-placed Crystal Palace, and only Palace and Ipswich have conceded more goals than their 19.
Carrick, who is 45, was given more time at Old Trafford after the board considered dismissing him following the defeat to Bournemouth. The interim spell has produced mixed results, with United showing both their vulnerability and resilience, twice coming back from two goals down.
Who could replace him?
BBC Sport had earlier reported that United sounded out former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann about the job. Antonio Conte is reportedly keen on the role, and several sources have indicated that Mauricio Pochettino, currently USA coach, is open to a move to Old Trafford. His contract with the US federation is thought to contain clauses allowing him to leave for specific high-profile jobs.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
