By Adegboyega Adeleye
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is set to remain in charge for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth despite growing concern among senior club figures over the team’s performances and results.
According to the BBC, Carrick is continuing as normal and has not been informed of any imminent change following United’s humiliating 4-1 defeat by Como in the Champions League on Wednesday. However, the club has begun identifying potential replacements.
One source told BBC Sport: “We need to work hard to get through it.”
Another acknowledged that the team’s injury problems had affected performances but insisted they were “no excuse”, describing the players’ effort levels as “concerning”.
“We have a Champions League squad and need to be playing at that level,” the source added.
Despite the concerns, some figures within United believe the club’s repeated changes of manager in recent years have failed to reverse its decline. They also believe Carrick has been let down by players who have failed to perform to expectations.
Fernandes questions Carrick’s tactics
United captain Bruno Fernandes questioned Carrick’s tactics following Wednesday’s defeat, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the head coach.
The loss to Como extended United’s winless run to seven matches in all competitions, with the club having recorded just two victories in their last 11 games.
Defender Lisandro Martinez has also recently criticised aspects of the club’s recruitment, while former manager Erik ten Hag spoke of “broken promises” and a “toxic culture” in an interview with The Athletic.
United have struggled at both ends of the pitch this season, scoring inconsistently and keeping just one clean sheet, while injuries and declining confidence have compounded their problems.
The club’s current run is its worst since the 2015-16 season, when an eight-match winless streak put former manager Louis van Gaal under intense pressure.
Man Utd consider potential replacements
Although Carrick is expected to lead United against Bournemouth, the club has started identifying possible successors as uncertainty over his longer-term future continues.
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann are understood to be among those being considered.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery and Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler are also admired by influential figures at Old Trafford, although securing their departures from their respective clubs could prove difficult.
Carrick was appointed permanently in May after winning 12 of his 17 matches as interim manager and helping United return to the Champions League following a two-year absence.
However, the club’s hierarchy remains concerned about the team’s current performances, with some believing Carrick deserves more time while others are dissatisfied with the results.
United’s players were given Thursday off and are expected to return to training on Friday, when Carrick will address the media ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth.
Bournemouth won their first Premier League match under manager Marco Rose last week. They drew 4-4 at Old Trafford last season and won their previous two visits to the ground 3-0.
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