Manchester United will only consider sacking Michael Carrick if one of their top two managerial targets emerges, according to Football FanCast sources.
It has been a difficult start to the season at Old Trafford. United have taken just five points from their first five Premier League games, their worst start in the Premier League, and have already missed out on a chance to play in domestic cup competition.
Frustration spread during the draw with Fulham when some of the visitors booed Carrick’s decision to bring on Kobe Manu for Mason Mount with ten minutes remaining, a reaction that the manager admitted afterwards he understood.
“When you make a change, there’s always a reaction. Kobe played well, but we’re at a stage in the game where we need to work hard to make things happen. Kobe understood that and I talked to him about it after the game and he was absolutely fine,” he said.
“He cares about the team and what’s best. Everyone is a bit emotional, as are the supporters, who desperately want us to do the right thing.
“I don’t mean any offense, we’re just trying to keep doing the right things to get back in the game. The support was unbelievable, all the way to the end. They were there for the kids and at least we gave them something small to get something out of it. I’m sure there will be more to come.”
For now, Carrick’s job is not under threat. Old Trafford have no interest in knee-jerk sacking him and the hierarchy are keen to give him time to turn things around.
According to Football FanCast sources, United have only two names on their shortlist to replace the Englishman, and both are currently unavailable in the short term.
1
Fabian Hutzler
The first name on Ineos’ shortlist is Brighton boss Fabian Huerzeler. The German has impressed the south coast with his aggressive, attacking style of football.
But poaching him from the American Express will be extremely difficult, with Brighton currently refusing to generate any interest in their manager.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke explained this week: “It will take a lot of effort to get him off as soon as possible because Brighton don’t want to lose Fabian Huerzeller.
Brighton season so far | result |
|---|---|
League Qualifiers | Tromso 0-0 Brighton |
Premier League | Brighton 4-0 Aston Villa |
League Qualifiers | Brighton 4-0 Tromso |
Premier League | Chelsea 4-3 Brighton |
Premier League | Brighton 1-1 Leeds United |
Premier League | Coventry 0-5 Brighton |
carabao cup | Manchester United 2-3 Brighton |
Premier League | Brighton 3-0 Arsenal |
“He’s done a great job on the south coast, he’s really improved a lot at Brighton and helped the club make some real progress.
“Helzeller has attracted a lot of attention because of his attacking style and style of play that has worked so well at Brighton, so it’s no surprise that other clubs might be looking at him.
“But Brighton are quite relaxed about it and he progressed in a new contract in May which keeps him at the club until 2029.”
2
Kieran McKenna
The second name is Kieran McKenna. The former Manchester United Under-18s manager resigned as Ipswich Town manager in June, opting to take a break from football to spend more time with his family.
Football FanCast revealed this week that McKenna is open to a return to Old Trafford but is in no rush to do so and would only do so if the perfect opportunity arises, with the 40-year-old unlikely to see replacing the sacked manager mid-season as an opportunity.
His reputation remains high after his achievements at Suffolk, with Ipswich captain Dara O’Shea heaped praise on his manager following his promotion.
“It’s legendary status,” he said. “To do that at any level is unbelievable. To do it at the level that he’s reached, it’s hard. You can’t put it into words.”
At this time, Carrick is not in immediate danger. But the schedule after the international break is daunting: Tottenham Hotspur, then Atletico Madrid, then Leeds United away.
A poor run of form in these three games could quickly change the mood at Old Trafford, but that change will depend on whether one of their top two targets moves on.