Accusations of a lack of passion, desire and intensity have plagued United all season, winning just two matches in all competitions.
Also, injuries and the inability of players to reach the expected level hindered the team.
Although they struggled in attack, they only kept one clean sheet all season as form, results and confidence dipped.
The negativity was compounded by post-match comments from seasoned defender Lisandro Martinez attacking the recruitment and from Fernandes attacking Carrick and his tactics.
In between, there was an interview with Ten Hag in the Athletic where he talked about “broken promises” and a “toxic culture”. All this speaks to a club that lacks control, discipline and a clear future-oriented strategy.
There is a feeling from senior figures around the club that while overall recruitment could be called into question – particularly bringing in serious support for Benjamin Sesko or bolstering the midfield in the summer at the expense of competition at left-back – the players should shoulder a significant amount of responsibility.
Whether that helps Carrick is another matter.
The imminence of United’s next Premier League game doesn’t make an immediate difference, even if that’s the thinking.
After Amorim was sacked in January, former United midfielder Darren Fletcher took over as interim manager for two games. Fletcher later returned to the under-18 coaching role, but two of his assistant coaches, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion, remained in the senior squad as part of Carrick’s squad.
United’s midweek is evident after their EFL Cup defeat to Brighton, who came back from two down to win at Old Trafford last month. This would theoretically give time to settle without the immediate pressure that a match can bring.
Bournemouth picked up their first Premier League win under new manager Marco Rose last week. They drew 4-4 in a memorable encounter at Old Trafford last season, before winning 3-0 in both of their previous two outings.
It remains to be seen whether Carrick will be in charge, and if so, for how long.
The only certainty around Manchester United now is a sense of uncertainty – again.