Manchester United would only consider sacking Michael Carrick if one of their top two managerial targets became available, Football FanCast sources understand.
It’s been a difficult start to the season at Old Trafford. United have taken just five points from their opening five Premier League games, their joint-worst start to a Premier League campaign, and have already waved goodbye to one chance at a domestic cup.
Frustration spilled over in the draw at Fulham, when sections of the away end booed Carrick’s decision to take Kobbie Mainoo off for Mason Mount with ten minutes remaining, and the manager admitted afterwards that he understood the reaction.
“There’s always going to be certain reactions when you make changes. Kobbie played well, but we were at the stage of the game where we needed to try to make something happen. Kobbie understands that, I spoke to him after the game about it and he is absolutely fine,” he said.
“He’s all about the team and what’s for the best. Everyone’s a little bit emotional and the supporters are too, they are desperate for us to do the right thing.
“I don’t take any offence to it we just try and keep doing the right things to get back into the game. The support was unbelievable, right the way through. They stuck with the boys and at least we gave them something small to take away from it. I’m sure there’s more to come.”
For now, Carrick’s job is not under threat. There’s no appetite at Old Trafford for a knee-jerk sacking, and the hierarchy are keen to give him time to turn things around.
Football FanCast sources understand there are just two names on United’s shortlist to replace the Englishman, and both are currently unavailable in the short-term.
1
Fabian Hurzeler
The first name on the INEOS’ shortlist is Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler. The German has impressed on the south coast with his aggressive, attacking brand of football.
But prising him away from the Amex would be extremely difficult, as Brighton are currently turning away any interest in their head coach.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke explained this week: “It would take a lot for them to let him go any time soon, because Brighton do not want to lose Fabian Hurzeler.
|
Brighton’s season so far |
Result |
|---|---|
|
Conference League qualifier |
Tromso 0-0 Brighton |
|
Premier League |
Brighton 4-0 Aston Villa |
|
Conference League qualifier |
Brighton 4-0 Tromso |
|
Premier League |
Chelsea 4-3 Brighton |
|
Premier League |
Brighton 1-1 Leeds |
|
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 down on the south coast, he’s really made big strides at Brighton and helped the club make some real progress.
“Hurzeler is attracting a lot of attention because of what he’s done at Brighton with his aggressive style of football and an attacking style as well, so no surprise that maybe other clubs are looking at him.
“But Brighton are quite relaxed on this one and he was rewarded for his progress with the new contract in May to keep him at the club until 2029.”
2
Kieran McKenna
The second name is Kieran McKenna. The former United Under-18s coach stepped down as Ipswich manager in June, choosing 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 isn’t in a rush to come back and will only do so for the perfect opportunity, with the 40 year-old unlikely to see replacing a sacked manager in the middle of the season as that chance.
His stock remains sky-high after what he achieved in Suffolk, with Ipswich captain Dara O’Shea full of praise for his manager after sealing promotion.
“It’s legendary status,” he said. “To do that at any level is unbelievable. To do it at the level he’s done, it’s hard. You can’t really put that into words.”
For now, Carrick isn’t in immediate danger. But the fixtures after the international break are daunting: Tottenham, then a trip to Atletico Madrid, then Leeds away.
A poor run in those three games could change the mood at Old Trafford very quickly, but a change will be dependent on one of their top two targets being swayed into a move.