Manchester United’s board are reportedly holding crisis meetings to decide whether Michael Carrick will be dismissed after a 3‑0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday. The loss, the club’s sixth in 12 matches across all competitions, has left United’s league form at a low point, with the team sitting 16th after only one win this season. Carrick, who had previously omitted captain Bruno Fernandes from the starting XI, remained defiant after the match, saying he had no expectation of being removed and that he would continue to act in the club’s best interests regardless of the outcome.
The Guardian reports that United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is favouring former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe should a change in the dugout occur. Howe’s Premier League experience and lower cost compared to other potential hires, such as Unai Emery of Aston Villa, make him a preferred choice. Christopher Vivell, the club’s head of recruitment, has expressed admiration for Julian Nagelsmann, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees football policy, may lean towards Wilcox’s recommendation. Antonio Conte is also mentioned as a possible candidate, though no concrete plans have been announced.
Carrick explained his decision to leave Fernandes out of the lineup before kickoff, stating it was based on footballing reasons rather than the captain’s recent criticism of his tactics after the Champions League loss to Como. He added that he would continue to support the team and that the club’s future would be decided in due course. After the final whistle, Carrick thanked the home supporters and acknowledged the mixed emotions that followed, noting that the players were “going through a tough spell.”
Harry Maguire, who captained the side in Fernandes’ absence, said the squad were “fully behind” Carrick and that the team needed to focus on fundamentals to improve performances. The club’s board will need to weigh these statements against the club’s recent results as they consider the next steps for United’s managerial future.