Manchester United ready to sack Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick is facing the prospect of being sacked by Manchester United just five months after securing the permanent managerial position.

The former midfielder returned to Old Trafford in January following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, initially restoring confidence to a club desperate for stability.

Carrick guided United to third place in the Premier League, securing Champions League qualification and earning a two-year contract in May.

His appointment carried enormous sentimental significance.

Having represented United between 2006 and 2018, Carrick won five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He subsequently worked as a United assistant, briefly managed the first team in 2021 and spent nearly three seasons at Middlesbrough.

However, his second spell in charge has deteriorated alarmingly.

United have won just twice in nine competitive matches this season, collecting only six points from their opening six league fixtures.

Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid intensified the pressure, with Pablo Barrios scoring after just 47 seconds.

Leny Yoro was subsequently dismissed before Ademola Lookman sealed victory for the Spanish side.

Lisandro Martinez defended Carrick afterwards, questioning whether the manager had received sufficient support.

“I don’t think so [he was backed]. He did his best,” the Argentine declared.

Martinez also criticised United’s technical leadership, stating: “I expect more from our technical director, I have to be honest.”

Although he did not name Jason Wilcox directly, the comments were widely interpreted as criticism of the director of football.

Manchester United ready to replace Michael Carrick

According to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, United are reportedly ready to dismiss Carrick, with Antonio Conte identified as a potential successor.

The Italian publication describes Conte as being close to the Manchester United job, although no appointment has been officially confirmed.

Conte, 57, has been unemployed since leaving Napoli and previously won the Premier League with Chelsea.

The development follows earlier reports covered by Centre Devils suggesting the Italian was approaching an agreement with United.

With Carrick’s position under scrutiny, speculation surrounding another managerial change is gathering momentum.