Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has received backing from the club’s hierarchy amid mounting pressure following a disappointing start to the 2026-27 season. Despite signing a two-year contract at the end of last season, Carrick faces scrutiny after the Red Devils failed to secure a win in their last seven matches across all competitions.
The latest setback came on Tuesday, when United suffered a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League, their worst performance this campaign. In the aftermath, Carrick publicly criticized his players for a perceived lack of application, a remark that followed an earlier, sharp critique of Carrick’s tactics by captain Bruno Fernandes. Nevertheless, Fernandes is expected to retain the captain’s armband for the upcoming match on Sunday and will not face disciplinary action from the club.
The atmosphere around the team has been troubled, with external reports suggesting internal disarray. Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa and one of several managers reportedly linked with the United job, has painted a bleak picture of the club’s current situation. Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler has also been mentioned among potential replacements, highlighting the uncertainty about Carrick’s future.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Carrick was non-committal when asked about his own position. “I’ve not given my own position any thought – this is for the supporters – I was one of them watching that and I wasn’t happy at all,” he said. He added that his focus was on the broader picture rather than personal concerns: “It’s not about me right now, and my feelings in that regard. It’s more of as a team and as a club, what we want to look like, what we should look like.”
Carrick emphasized the importance of the manner in which the team approaches its performances, stating, “The results can come and go at times, but you’ve got to do it in a certain way. And that wasn’t it.”
Off the field, Fernandes dealt with a distressing personal incident after returning from Italy early Wednesday morning. The midfielder’s home was targeted in a robbery while he was overseas, although his family was reportedly not present during the incident. Police responded promptly, and Manchester United have offered their full support to Fernandes in dealing with the situation.
As the club navigates this challenging period, attention remains firmly on Carrick’s ability to stabilize performances and restore confidence within the squad. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the current manager can turn around a troubled campaign or if the club’s search for a new leader intensifies.