Michael Carrick's Man United future: why no announcement yet, Neville's "downing tools" claim and the candidates
Michael Carrick's departure is widely expected after Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, but Manchester United's New York Stock Exchange listing means any announcement must follow US disclosure rules. Gary Neville says the players have "turned on him".
Manchester United's 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday has left Michael Carrick's future hanging by a thread. As of Monday afternoon (UK time), the club had not made any announcement — but almost every report expects a decision soon.
Why the wait?
United are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. As a foreign company listed in the US, the club must meet American disclosure rules before announcing a change that could be material to investors, such as sacking the manager. The stock market was closed over the weekend, so, according to FootballTransfers, Carrick has a stay of execution until that process is complete. The same thing happened when Ruben Amorim was sacked on 5 January.
Where it went wrong
- United have not won in eight games in all competitions.
- They are 16th in the Premier League with seven points from eight games (W1 D4 L3) — their worst league start in 40 years — and one point above the relegation zone.
- They lost their last two Champions League games, to Atlético Madrid and 4-1 at Como.
- Captain Bruno Fernandes was an unused substitute against Bournemouth after reportedly criticising Carrick's tactics; Lisandro Martínez, who came off the bench, had earlier criticised the club's hierarchy.
Read our Man United 0-3 Bournemouth report.
Neville: "They've turned on him"
On his Sky Sports podcast, Gary Neville accused the players of "downing tools". He described "a pattern of nothings", said players were "switching off" and called some of them unprofessional: "They've turned on him."
Supporters at Old Trafford mostly aimed their anger higher up, chanting against the owners and the club's leadership while backing Carrick.
What Carrick said
After the game Carrick said there was "no hiding" from a "tough situation". "I'm not expecting anything in particular, to be honest," he added. "I'm carrying on as normal and, you know, I love this place."
Only last Friday he had delivered a five-minute monologue promising "we will get it back" — see Carrick's press conference.
Who could replace him?
None of these has been confirmed by the club; all are based on reports:
| Candidate | Situation (reported) |
|---|---|
| Eddie Howe | Former Newcastle manager, reportedly interested |
| Julian Nagelsmann | Out of work since leaving Germany in the summer |
| Antonio Conte | Linked in several reports |
| Unai Emery | Aston Villa coach; Jamie Carragher has urged United to go for him |
Brighton's Fabian Hürzeler has reportedly distanced himself from the job.
What's next
United travel to Chelsea on Saturday 31 October. Whether Carrick is in the dugout is the question. See the Premier League table.
FAQ
Has Michael Carrick been sacked? Not officially as of Monday afternoon UK time. His departure is widely expected, but Manchester United have not made an announcement.
Why haven't Man United announced Carrick's sacking? Because the club is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and must follow US disclosure rules before announcing a material change; the market was closed at the weekend.
Who will replace Carrick at Man United? Nothing is confirmed. Reports mention Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte and Unai Emery.
