Carrick gets Sunday, and nothing more
Michael Carrick will be on the touchline when Manchester United host Bournemouth on Sunday at 2pm UK time. That is all the club has committed to. According to Sky Sports, no decision has been made on his future beyond that match.
United have not won in seven games. Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat at Como in the Champions League was the latest blow, and Carrick called the performance “not acceptable.”
Then came the captain. Bruno Fernandes said publicly that the decision not to press man-to-man came from the coaching staff, and that the blame for the result sat with the manager and his coaches. Carrick’s reply was short: “If you don’t run back, you ain’t going to win.” Fernandes keeps the armband and is unlikely to be disciplined, Sky reports.
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A squad pulling in different directions
Fernandes is not the only player to speak. Lisandro Martinez said recently that the squad is not strong enough to compete at the top level, although Sky says that criticism was aimed at the club’s hierarchy rather than at Carrick, and injuries have thinned his options.
Outside the dressing room, opinion is split. Jamie Carragher called the captain’s comments “an absolute disgrace”. Paul Merson believes Carrick should be left in the job.
Sky also reports that United’s directors interviewed other managerial candidates in January. No formal contact is thought to have taken place recently, but the report says such talks cannot be ruled out.
What Sunday carries
Seven winless matches is the number hanging over the Bournemouth game. Carrick has the backing for now, Fernandes has the captaincy, and the result on Sunday will shape what the club does next. The match is live on Sky Sports Main Event.
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