Manchester United are 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday. Head coach Michael Carrick was widely expected to be dismissed, but the club opted to retain the 45-year-old for Saturday's trip to Chelsea.
Former United captain Gary Neville, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, said the club's indecision reflects a lack of planning and available alternatives. "Sometimes a manager needs sacking for their own good," Neville said, referencing his own experience at Valencia. "I was happy that they put me out of my misery."
Carrick's position had been precarious even before the Bournemouth loss after captain Bruno Fernandes criticized the tactics deployed in a 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como. Fernandes was dropped for the Bournemouth match, but the pair have since held talks to clear the air.
United fans sang Carrick's name as he applauded the crowd after the Bournemouth defeat, then booed the players once he left the pitch. It is understood the club hierarchy has explored replacements, with former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann under consideration.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggested Carrick would want to be "put out of his misery," while another former United captain, Roy Keane, said the players are "running the show" and know Carrick is unlikely to remain in charge for long.
