Manchester United's minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to make a pivotal decision regarding the future of head coach Michael Carrick during a scheduled meeting in Monaco on Wednesday. The summit, located 800 miles from Old Trafford, will see chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox present their recommendations to Ratcliffe, with the expected advice being that Carrick should be relieved of his duties.
A Season in Crisis
United's current plight is stark: the club sits 18th in the Premier League, having secured just one win in their opening 10 matches and none since August. This marks their lowest position at this stage of a top-flight season since the 1986-87 campaign. The pressure has mounted on Ratcliffe, who purchased a 28.94% stake in the club for over £1bn in December 2023 with the ambition of restoring United to the pinnacle of English and European football.
Despite the club's struggles, United stood by Carrick after a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on 25 October. Sources indicated a desire to give Carrick and his players an opportunity to turn things around, viewing the November international break as a chance for a thorough assessment. However, recent performances, including a chaotic 3-2 comeback win over Roma and a 2-0 loss to Chelsea, have raised concerns. The defensive frailties are alarming: United have conceded 30 goals in 15 games across all competitions.
Berrada and Wilcox Under Scrutiny
Berrada and Wilcox, who attended all three of United's recent matches, are believed to have concluded that a change in management is necessary to steer the club away from danger. However, if Ratcliffe decides to retain Carrick, it would cast serious doubt over the futures of Berrada and Wilcox. The pair have faced intense fan discontent, but sources insist Ratcliffe retains faith in them, despite the club heading towards a third mid-season managerial change in as many years.
The Glazer family, who remain influential with six of the 12 directors, will need to sign off on any decision. While there have been media reports of Glazer dissatisfaction, no public statement has been made.
Carrick's Limbo
For now, Carrick continues to operate as if it is business as usual. He has scheduled training sessions for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with a core group of players remaining at home during the international break. The squad will reconvene on 17 November to prepare for the trip to Liverpool on 22 November. Carrick remains in an unenviable position, carrying on while his future hangs in the balance.
Potential Replacements
If the expected decision is made, attention will turn to potential successors. Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading contender and is understood to be keen on the role. However, the Argentine is currently in charge of the United States national team and has a $10m release clause. Other names in the frame include former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who is available and would command £3m in compensation, and Italian Antonio Conte, who has Premier League experience with Chelsea. Julian Nagelsmann and Kieran McKenna are also considered, though United may prefer a more experienced candidate than the 40-year-old McKenna.
The Monaco meeting, a regular strategic catch-up, has taken on added significance due to the club's dire situation. The location was not chosen because of Carrick's future but has become the focal point for a decision that could shape United's season and beyond.
